These instructions apply to the Citroën C3 Mk2 (SC/SR) 2009-2016.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
On an automatic Citroen C3 Mk2 (2009–2016) with the AL4 gearbox, the selector stays locked in P until the car has power and your foot is on the brake. If the 12 V battery is flat or the brake-light circuit has failed, you can release it by hand to move or recover the car.
How to release the C3 automatic selector from Park
- Apply the parking brake and chock a wheel if you are on any slope.
- Carefully remove the dashboard/selector trim panel to reach the shift-lock release.
- Insert a screwdriver into the opening and press the release as shown on the mechanism.
- With the release pressed, move the selector from P to N.
- Remove the screwdriver and refit the trim.
This is an emergency override only. In N the car can roll freely, so keep the parking brake applied until you are ready to move it. If the selector will not release normally once power is restored, have the shift-lock and brake-light circuit checked.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my C3 automatic stuck in Park?
The shift-lock needs battery power and a brake-pedal signal to free the selector. A flat battery or a blown brake-light fuse is the usual cause.
Does this apply to the manual C3?
No. Only the automatic (AL4) has a shift-lock; a manual gearbox has no Park position to release.
If a blown fuse or brake-light fault is behind it, the car often stores a diagnostic code — look it up on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Citroën. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.