🚨 2019 Volvo XC90: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 XC90 has a center console-mounted shift lever with electronic gear selection and a shift lock that prevents movement out of Park without the brake pedal depressed.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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
- Engage the parking brake firmly and ensure the vehicle is on level ground with wheels chocked.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button twice without brake pedal) to provide power to the shifter electronics.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it's a small covered opening on the center console to the right side of the shifter base.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the small rectangular cover cap.
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver straight down into the override slot and press firmly down while simultaneously moving the shifter out of Park.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or winched onto a flatbed.
- If successful, replace the override cover cap when finished.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered rectangular slot on the right side of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. However, you must use the mechanical key to unlock the driver's door first. The override slot works without any electrical power—simply remove the cover and press the release while shifting. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be winched or dollied onto a flatbed; it cannot be steered.