can you put a car into neutral underneath

[LeValerie]

Yes, you can put a car into neutral from underneath, but it is an extremely risky procedure that should only be attempted in a true emergency, like if the vehicle is immobilized and the cabin is inaccessible. The primary method involves locating the transmission shift linkage—the set of rods or cables connecting the gear shifter to the transmission—and manually moving it. This is not a standard maintenance task and carries a high risk of injury from the vehicle falling, hot components, or accidental movement.

The process varies significantly by vehicle make, model, and whether it's a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. On many front-wheel-drive cars, you might find the linkage near the transaxle. You would need to disconnect a clip or loosen a nut to move the lever. For rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the linkage is often more accessible along the transmission tunnel. However, modern cars with electronic shift-by-wire systems may not have a physical linkage at all, making this procedure impossible without specialized diagnostic tools.

Critical safety precautions are non-negotiable. The car must be on a perfectly level, solid surface. The parking brake should be set if possible, and the wheels must be securely chocked with sturdy blocks of wood or metal wedges on both sides of the tires that will remain on the ground. Never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack; it must be on jack stands rated for the vehicle's weight. Wearing gloves and eye protection is essential.

This action is a last resort. The potential for severe injury or causing further damage to the transmission is significant. In almost all non-emergency situations, having the vehicle towed to a professional mechanic is the far safer and more reliable choice.

Vehicle Type	Typical Linkage Location	Key Consideration	Risk Factor
Front-Wheel Drive	Near the transaxle, often behind engine splash shield	May require disconnecting a cable end or lever clip	High (tight spaces, hot components)
Rear-Wheel Drive	Along the transmission tunnel under the car	Often a visible rod with a lever	Moderate (more space, but still hazardous)
All-Wheel Drive	Varies, often similar to FWD or RWD	Increased complexity, may have multiple components	Very High
Electronic Shifter (Shift-by-Wire)	No physical linkage exists	Procedure is impossible without dealer-level scan tools	N/A (Not Applicable)

[LeBella]

Don't do it unless it's a real emergency and you're stuck. It’s super dangerous. The car could fall on you. If you absolutely have to, your goal is to find the metal rods connected to the transmission and move them by hand. But you need to chock the wheels incredibly well and use proper jack stands—never just a jack. Honestly, calling a tow truck is almost always the better move. It's not worth the risk.

[DiMadison]

As someone who's worked on cars for years, I can tell you it's technically possible but ill-advised. You're looking for the shift linkage. On an older car, it's usually a straightforward rod. On a newer one, it might be a cable or not exist at all. The biggest challenge is doing it safely. You need the right tools and a clear understanding of your specific transmission. One wrong move and you could damage an expensive component or, worse, get seriously hurt. This is a job for a professional lift, not a driveway jack.