Moving an auto without engine running

Last year I had a brown trouser moment in France with my manual Freelander. It came to a standstill on a French autoroute right in the middle of a contra-flow. The engine died and refused to start. The car had to be pushed out of the way (not by me!) and eventually placed onto a rescue truck and taken away. I won't bore you with the rest of the story.

This afternoon I wanted to move my Evoque auto a very short distance (2ft by pushing it) without starting the engine. Couldn't find a way to do it. Gear selector won't rise to allow selection out of P and the handbrake won't release. Just wondered what one could do in the circumstances above. Any thoughts?

Turn ignition on ( don't start engine).
Press and hold brake pedal
While holding brake pedal pull on the shift-up lever for about 15 secs
Gear selector will rise up
Put selector in N
Release parking brake
Push car
Remember brake assist doesn't work without engine running so be prepared to put some pressure on the brake pedal, or re apply parking brake

Hope this helps

Thank you very much for that Rein.

I had better print those instructions and keep them readily available in case the worst happens again as there's no way I would remember that procedure. I searched the manual without success.

Thanks again!

No problem, hope you never have to use this procedure in an emergency

I'm trying to get my other/better half to remember this aswell. So from time to time I test her knowledge

Good info to have!

In fact such important info for Auto owners I'm going to stickie it inthe technical section!

Many thanks, printed off & ready to put in the glove compartment of my car, when I get it.

(11-09-2013 06:16pm)Fern Wrote:  when I get it.

The car or motorway problems

But can't we do that if the car is switched off? Useful sometimes when you park and let people move your car in case of need.