How to put in neutral?

[xj40s]

On the XJ40 models there used top be a screw near the auto gear selector gate that you could remove and put a screwdriver in to override the solenoid lock. Is there any way you can do the same thing on an 2005 x type 2.5? I want the car in neutral without the ignition key in.

[Astromorg]

First, remove the surround to the selector lever by opening ashtray and lifting the front edge of the surround with fingertips , then ease the back edge up and lift it off. It will come off and go back on very smoothly with its four good quality clips.

With the surround off, using a torch will let you see a small black disc on the end of a shaft that goes into the J Gate on its lefthand side. This disc has a raised ridge running diagonally across its outer face. Using a suitable thin screwdriver or similar against that diagonal ridge, rotate the disc a small amount clockwise (See Edit below) (It's not tight) and hold it rotated while pulling the selector lever out of Drive.

It'll take you less than a minute the second time you do it. Maybe a little longer the first time!

Edit: Thought I'd better get out and check my memory on this method. just as well I did - turn the disc anti clockwise!