Engaging Neutral in a DB9 without starting engine

[malcolmbinns]

During lockdown I’d like to move my DB9 (auto) just a few feet forwards to stop the tyres getting flat spots. Can I get the car to switch into neutral? Trying pressing N with the key in, but no action. Any ideas?

[pschlute]

malcolmbinns said:

During lockdown I’d like to move my DB9 (auto) just a few feet forwards to stop the tyres getting flat spots. Can I get the car to switch into neutral? Trying pressing N with the key in, but no action. Any ideas?

Two options (without starting the car and not actually driving it).......

1. Pull up the rear seat cushion and pull the manual gearbox disconnect lever.

2. Drive the long way round to the supermarket.

I suggest option 2

[Jon39]

With a manual Vantage, the accelerator pedal can be held fully down and engine turned over without any firing.
Is there perhaps an equivalent with the auto DB9? Handbook any help ref. oil pressure following layup?

My torque shift MB can be moved to neutral, when ignition on and foot on brake. No need to start the engine.

Just a couple of thoughts. I don't have specific DB9 knowledge.

[pschlute]

Jon39 said:

With a manual Vantage, the accelerator pedal can be held fully down and engine turned over without any firing.
Is there perhaps an equivalent with the auto DB9?

The DB9 is the same. But you cannot get the car into neutral without starting it. I am presuming what he does not want to do is start it, roll a few feet and stop the engine.

[hornbaek]

As the previous post has said. Take the seat cushion off behind the drivers seat. It’s fixed by some Velcro strips revealing a blank aluminium surface with an inspection hole. Pull the leaver and the gearbox is disconnected. Now the car can be moved in neutral. Also applicable if needed to go on a flatbed or geo etc.

[Graze01]

So is there an equivalent for a sportshift III gearbox

Graeme

[malcolmbinns]

hornbaek said:

As the previous post has said. Take the seat cushion off behind the drivers seat. It’s fixed by some Velcro strips revealing a blank aluminium surface with an inspection hole. Pull the leaver and the gearbox is disconnected. Now the car can be moved in neutral. Also applicable if needed to go on a flatbed or geo etc.

Okay - I'll disengage for the duration of lockdown. I've checked the owners manual and can't find any reference to this lever - does anyone have a picture guide (Google doesn't show one).

[LTP]

malcolmbinns said:

Okay - I'll disengage for the duration of lockdown. I've checked the owners manual and can't find any reference to this lever - does anyone have a picture guide (Google doesn't show one).

Found this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_-XbA8krdY

It's for a Rapide and not a DB9, but as I believe they basically use the same 'box, it might help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_-XbA8krdY

Nothing in your owner's manual?

[malcolmbinns]

Video very helpful. Correct that the lever is under the rear seat squab. On my right hand drive car, it’s on the passenger side. Two large large diameter screws removed and then the lever is easy to operate. Car moved a few feet and then re-engaged using the push button like a handbrake. Will repeat next week to avoid flat spots.

Thanks all.

[MonkeyDoo23]

Jon39 said:

With a manual Vantage, the accelerator pedal can be held fully down and engine turned over without any firing.
Is there perhaps an equivalent with the auto DB9? Handbook any help ref. oil pressure following layup?

My torque shift MB can be moved to neutral, when ignition on and foot on brake. No need to start the engine.

Just a couple of thoughts. I don't have specific DB9 knowledge.

Sorry if this is covered further down (I was also going to note the level under the rear seat) - but on the DB9 holding the accelerator to the floor cuts the fuel so the car will crank on the starter without actually firing up. I did this in the hope that it will still run the oil pump to get oil around the engine after the car had been standing a couple of weeks