These instructions apply to the Mitsubishi Outlander Mk3 PHEV (GG2W) 2014-2021.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The Outlander PHEV uses an electric “joystick” selector that springs back to the centre after every move, rather than a normal gear lever. That catches people out when the car won’t drive or needs to be pushed. Here is how the selector works, how to get it into Neutral, and how the car must be towed.
How the joystick selector works
The lever always returns to a central home position; the car reads which way you pushed it, not where it rests, so confirm the selected position on the instrument display every time. With your foot on the brake, nudge it towards D to drive or R to reverse; for N (Neutral), push and hold briefly. B, which increases regenerative braking, can be selected only from D (the drive-modes guide explains the paddle levels). Park is separate: press the dedicated P button to hold the car, and check that P shows on the display.
If the car won’t move
- Keep your foot on the brake and check the instrument display rather than the lever (which self-centres): you want D or R, not P or N.
- If the display is blank or the car has no power, a likely cause is a flat 12-volt battery — jump-start it, then recheck.
- If a warning lamp is on, or the car won’t go to READY or won’t take Neutral, do not force the selector — arrange flatbed recovery (below) and have it checked by a Mitsubishi dealer.
Rolling the car clear in Neutral
- Press the power switch to ON so the shift-by-wire system and instrument display are live.
- Move the selector to N (push and hold), and confirm N shows on the instrument display. In Neutral the car can be pushed.
- Push only a short distance to a safe spot, with someone in the seat to steer and brake. With the system off, steering and brake assistance are reduced, so move slowly.
Towing the Outlander PHEV
Transport the Outlander PHEV on a flatbed, or tow it with all four wheels off the ground. Towing it with the wheels on the road turns the electric motors and can damage the transaxle and hybrid drivetrain, so it is for genuine emergencies only — and then strictly as the owner’s manual describes, using the designated towing hook with the Plug-in Hybrid EV system started and the selector in Neutral. A flatbed is always the safe choice.
Frequently asked questions
The lever is sitting in the middle — is that Neutral?
No. The joystick always springs back to its central home position, whatever you selected. You are only in Neutral once you have pushed and held N and the instrument display shows “N”.
Can I select B from Neutral or Reverse?
No. B is available only from D. Move to D first, then across to B for stronger regenerative braking.
If a warning lamp is showing when the car won’t move, you can look up what that specific dashboard symbol or fault code means on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Mitsubishi. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.