Lincoln Nautilus: Automatic Transmission / Manual Park Release

What Is Manual Park Release

Manual park release allows you to move your transmission out of the park (P) position in the event of an electrical malfunction or emergency.

Manual Park Release Precautions

WARNING: When doing this procedure, you need to take the transmission out of park (P) which means your vehicle can roll freely. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, always fully apply the parking brake prior to doing this procedure. Use wheels chocks if appropriate.

WARNING: If the parking brake is fully released, but the brake warning lamp remains illuminated, the brakes may not be working properly. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.

WARNING: Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the stoplamps are working.

Using Manual Park Release

Activating Manual Park Release Cable

Use this procedure to move your transmission out of park (P) for towing.

1. Apply the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake.

   Note: If the vehicle battery has no charge, use an external power source to apply the parking brake.

2. Remove the manual park release access cover. The cover is located under the dash below the steering wheel. Do not pull the orange tether.

   

3. Sit in the driver seat.
4. Without your foot on the brake pedal, switch the ignition to the on position.
5. Fully press the brake pedal. Do not release.
6. Pull the tether outward towards you. Move the tether to the lower right-hand corner and seat metal bead in the pocket.

   

   Note: A confirmation message will appear in the information display when your vehicle is out of park (P). If you do not receive a confirmation message, release the tether and start the procedure again.

7. Release the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake.

   Note: Your transmission is out of the park (P) position. To avoid unwanted vehicle movement, press and hold the brake pedal.

8. Without your foot on the brake pedal, switch the ignition to the off position.
9. Disconnect the negative (black) battery cable from the battery.

   Note: If the vehicle detects wheel movement before the battery is disconnected, the electric parking brake could apply automatically. Confirm vehicle rolls freely before towing. Failure to follow this instruction could result in vehicle damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.

Returning Your Vehicle to Normal Mode

1. Once it is safe to do so, reconnect the negative (black) battery cable to the battery.
2. Apply the parking brake.

   Note: If the vehicle battery has no charge, use an external power source to apply the parking brake.

   Note: Do not pull the tether until you are in the driver seat.

3. Once in the driver seat, fully apply the brake pedal and hold. Do not release. Pull the orange tether outward towards the driver seat.
4. Move the tether towards the left and release to return it to the rest position.
5. Stow the manual park release cable tether, install the access cover and replace the screw.
6. With your foot fully applied on the brake pedal, start your vehicle. Confirm that your vehicle is in the park (P) position and that the instrument cluster indicates park (P).
7. If the instrument cluster is not displaying the park (P) position or there is a message stating Park Not Available, Transmission Not In Park or Shift System Fault, apply the parking brake before exiting your vehicle. Have the system checked.