🚨 2016 Volvo S80: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 S80 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (key in ignition, turn clockwise one click)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it's a small rectangular opening on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side, typically covered by a small removable cap
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to remove the cap if present
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while holding the brake
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral
- If moving to a flatbed, you can shift through to Neutral and the vehicle can be rolled freely
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, typically covered by a removable cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You will not be able to turn the ignition to ON, but the override mechanism is mechanical and does not require power. Press the override and shift to Neutral without ignition on. Steering wheel will be locked, so vehicle must be loaded onto flatbed - do NOT tow with wheels down as steering will not function.