🚨 2016 Volvo XC70: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 XC70 uses a traditional center console-mounted automatic shifter with a shift lock button on the side and an electronic shift lock release.
🧰 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 the parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to position II (or press START without brake pedal to get accessory power if battery has some charge)
- Locate the small rectangular plastic cap on the right side of the shifter base, near the bottom of the console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic cap
- Insert the key or a screwdriver into the exposed shift lock override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release button on the side of the shifter and move it to Neutral
- If successful, keep your foot on the brake and replace the cap
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap on the right side of the shifter base near the console bottom; override slot is directly underneath this cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override still works mechanically. You will need a physical key to unlock the steering column if equipped with Volvo's electronic steering lock. Follow the same override procedure - no electrical power is required for the mechanical shift lock release to function.