Emergency Transmission lock release - Pre LCI
Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2014 6:03 pm
Those with pre LCI E70 (6-speed) gearboxes should be aware that in the event of a transmission issue, electrical issue, or battery failure which causes the transmission lock to engage you need to make sure you can actually use the manual release.
This video shows how to do it on a LHD car, but does not include the added security catch UK Models meaning you have an additional step (5 below) in the process which may be easily missed.
To release the transmission lock you need to get your red emergency release handle from under the boot floor.
1. Chock the wheels!
2. Release the parking brake by either pressing the button down, or using the emergency releases in the left and right side of the boot.
3. Remove the rubber base from the cup holders on the tunnel.
4. Use the square end of the emergency handle to remove the cover from the left hand cup holder. This gives you access to the emergency release system.
5. Use the blade of your key to unlock and remove the security cover - warning this may take a while as it will quite likely be jammed or a very tight fit!. This step only applies if you have the additional security catch installed.
6. With your foot firmly on the brake, insert the red handle into the now open emergency release turn it 1/4 turn clockwise and push down. If there is power on the car you will now have a flashing 'N' symbol on the gear selector to indicate you are in the emergency release mode.
7. You can now move the vehicle onto a flatbed etc.
8. Once happy then turn the lock back and remove the handle. Your transmission is now locked and the 'P' symbol should appear on the gear selector.
LCI/8-speed vehicles do not have this system and need a different process.
Richard
This video shows how to do it on a LHD car, but does not include the added security catch UK Models meaning you have an additional step (5 below) in the process which may be easily missed.
To release the transmission lock you need to get your red emergency release handle from under the boot floor.
1. Chock the wheels!
2. Release the parking brake by either pressing the button down, or using the emergency releases in the left and right side of the boot.
3. Remove the rubber base from the cup holders on the tunnel.
4. Use the square end of the emergency handle to remove the cover from the left hand cup holder. This gives you access to the emergency release system.
5. Use the blade of your key to unlock and remove the security cover - warning this may take a while as it will quite likely be jammed or a very tight fit!. This step only applies if you have the additional security catch installed.
6. With your foot firmly on the brake, insert the red handle into the now open emergency release turn it 1/4 turn clockwise and push down. If there is power on the car you will now have a flashing 'N' symbol on the gear selector to indicate you are in the emergency release mode.
7. You can now move the vehicle onto a flatbed etc.
8. Once happy then turn the lock back and remove the handle. Your transmission is now locked and the 'P' symbol should appear on the gear selector.
LCI/8-speed vehicles do not have this system and need a different process.
Richard
