2008 mini cooper automatic shift lock release, where and how?

The Shift Lock Release is a safety function that enables you to move your car when you can't shift the gear from one setting to another.Lift the cover, next to the shifter and pull the red tab.
LOOK IN YOUR OWNERS BOOK!

no it doesnt

Just try turning the key forward push the brake pedal then try shift into neutral.

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System
The automatic transmission shift lock control is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the ignition is ON. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
?€¢
The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid.

?€¢
The automatic transmission shift lock control switch.

?€¢
The park/neutral position switch.

With the ignition in the ON position, battery positive voltage is supplied to the park/neutral position switch. When the transmission is in the PARK position the contacts in the park/neutral position switch are closed. This allows current to flow through the switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The circuit continues through the normally-closed switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is permanently grounded. This energizes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid, locking the shift linkage in the PARK position. When the driver presses the brake pedal the contacts in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch open, causing the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid to release. This allows the shift lever to move from the PARK position.
Park Lock Solenoid
The park lock solenoid is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the key is in the OFF position. The key must be in the RUN position to release the park lock solenoid. The system consists of the park lock solenoid. With the ignition in the ON position, voltage is supplied to the park lock solenoid. The park lock solenoid energizes through a permanent ground unlocking the shift lever. With the ignition in the OFF or ACCY position the park lock solenoid de-energizes and locks the shift lever in the park position.
Shift Lever Does Not Move with Brake Pedal Depressed
DEFINITION: Transmission shift lever will not move out of the PARK position with the ignition ON and the brake pedal pressed.

1

Did you perform the Symptoms - Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control tests and all the necessary inspection?
Go to Step 2
Go to Symptoms - Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control

2

1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Attempt to move the shift lever out of the PARK position.

Does the shift lever move out of the PARK position?
Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
NO Go to Step 3

3

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the automatic transmission shift lock control switch.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Attempt to move the transmission shift lever out of the PARK position.

Does the transmission shift lever move out of the PARK position?
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 4

4

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF
4. Press and hold the brake pedal.
5. Attempt to move the transmission shift lever out of the PARK position.

Does the transmission shift lever move out of the PARK position?
Go to Step 7
Go to Step 5
Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 10
Go to Step 9

6

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
Go to Step 10
Go to Step 8

7

Repair the short to battery positive voltage in the A/T shift lock control solenoid supply voltage circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you complete the repair?
Go to Step 10
--

8

Replace the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. Refer to Stop Lamp Switch Replacement in Lighting Systems.
Did you complete the replacement?

Hi Judy , what kind of vehicle do you have ? Year an model ? ABS light has nothing to do with it not coming out of park . Problem with automatic transmission shift lock control ! Probably !
The automatic transmission shift lock control is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the ignition is ON. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of the PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
?€¢
The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid.

?€¢
The automatic transmission shift lock control switch.

?€¢
The park/neutral safety switch.

With the ignition in the ON position, battery positive voltage is supplied to the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The circuit continues through the normally-closed switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The park/neutral safety switch provides a path to ground for the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid in the PARK position. This energizes the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid, mechanically locking the shift linkage in the PARK position. When the driver presses the brake pedal the contacts in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch open, causing the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid to de-energize. This allows the shift lever to move from the PARK position. When the shift lever is out of the PARK position the contacts in the neutral safety switch open and the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid is de-energized.

If you're sitting in the drivers seat, it's a under a little removable cover to the front right of the shift indicator.

Follow these steps:
1. Pull up the brake
2. There is a shift lock release switch available under your gear cover - remove it by using a screwdriver
3. Put the screwdriver in the shift-lock release switch and press on it
4. Now you can change the gear from park to neutral
5. You would need to buy a new cover

is the battery disconnected needs power to shift out of gear

There is a small access hole (sometimes has a small cover on it) on or near the shifter housing. Insert a small punch into the hole and depress the shift lock release. Move the shifter into nuetral while holding release down.

Nearly all modern cars with a column, console or floor-mounted shift knob are equiped with a shifter level lock release button. Look for a small hole or plastic plug, usually to the right side of the shift lever or on rare occassions above or below the shift knob. It should be just large enough to stick the ignition key into the hole and push on the release button. While holding the release button with one hand, have foot on the brake or parking brake set and gently bress the shift knob button and move to neutral. I spent two years working for ADT Automotive at Mid-America Auto Auction and out of over a quarter million automatic transmision cars I have seen, nearly all have this feature.