I have a 98 xk8 that I need towed asap/tonight if at all possible.

It is parked, and it is has the following dash lights:

engine failsafe
gearbox fault
stability control

The codes cannot be read

The ecm is not in the car - believed water damage

I cannot get the car to be placed in "neutral" gear, shifter is stuck in "park"

Yes I have put the key in, turned the key, and have foot on brake.

Can I go in under the gearbox by unscrewing the "star" looking screw next to the shifter and "push" some tab in, I believe?

Any help, greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Remove drive shaft?

 

drivers handbook page 27.

unscrew the star, insert your key, and gently move sick out of P but not as far as R. Remove key and put stick into N.


use a flat bed tow.

 

+1

 

The little 'STAR' can be removed with a 40 TORX bit.
A 30 will work but will fit sloppy.
A wide flat blade screw driver can be used in a pinch.

bob gauff

 

i would suggest getting on a flat bed with the wheels all off the ground . towing an auto in N is a good way to damage the box.

 

Since a failure is equally likely to happen on the road away from tools as it is in my garage why would Jaguar use anything but a common tool to access the release. Heck, even the tow guy might not have a TORX bit in his pocket...

 

Well, a locking gearshift is a customary, if not mandated, theft deterrent. So, it has to be at least semi-difficult.