How to engage the emergency neutral gear in a Jaguar XF?

[StKinsley]

Depress the brake pedal of the Jaguar XF and press the one-touch start button to start the vehicle. Pull up the electronic parking brake of the Jaguar XF and shift the gear from P (Park) to N (Neutral).

[LaLeo]

Hey, as a buddy who's driven a Jaguar for years, I've also encountered situations requiring emergency neutral gear, like that time when the battery died and I needed to tow it in neutral. The procedure is actually quite simple: First, park the car securely and turn off the engine, engage the handbrake firmly, and turn the key to the ACC position without removing it. Locate a small plastic cover on the side of the gear lever base, gently pry it open to reveal a round hole. Insert a key or flat-head screwdriver into the hole, and when you feel resistance, press down slightly on the spring mechanism while simultaneously pushing the gear lever firmly into the N position with your other hand. The whole process should be done gently without excessive force to avoid damaging the shift mechanism. After shifting, remember to test if the wheels can rotate freely. A word of caution: don't play around with this normally; only use it in emergencies like towing or when the transmission is locked. Safety first when parking, and it's safest to avoid slopes. This trick can save towing fees, but incorrect operation might damage the car. When in doubt, check the owner's manual for details.

[ORichard]

As a Jaguar XF owner, I experienced a scary moment when I had to engage the emergency neutral mode: One day in the underground garage, my car wouldn't start, and I couldn't shift into neutral. Before calling a mechanic, I had to handle it myself. Here's the method a friend taught me: Park the car, turn off the engine, and twist the key to the position where the dashboard lights up. Bend down from the driver's seat and carefully locate a small square cover at the base of the gear lever. Pry it open with your fingers or a tool to reveal a mechanical lock hole. Use something like the back end of your car key to gently press down all the way and hold it there. With your other hand, immediately push the gear lever toward the N position. A small click sound means you've succeeded. Once in neutral, the wheels will be free, making it easy to push or tow. Before attempting this, ensure the surroundings are safe and wear gloves to avoid scratches. Don’t forget the backup method: If the battery is dead, try jump-starting the car. Remember, this emergency method should only be used when the car is completely immobilized. Mishandling can lead to slipping risks, so it’s best to practice once in case of urgent need.

[VonDonovan]

After years of car modification, my favorite project is the Jaguar XF. I've researched its emergency neutral operation. The steps are straightforward: park the car with the engine off, turn the key to ACC power mode; locate the small square cover at the base of the gear lever, pry it open to reveal a hole; use a rigid small object like the flat end of a paperclip, insert it into the hole and gently press the internal mechanism; simultaneously push the gear lever firmly to the N position with your other hand until it clicks into place. After completion, test the wheels to confirm the transmission is released. Key points: don't rush, maintain smooth movements to prevent errors. This is a lifesaver during breakdowns or towing, avoiding further damage. Related tips: keep a screwdriver in the car for emergencies, with practice it takes just five minutes. Prioritize safety—only operate on flat ground, never attempt while driving.