🚨 1991 Buick Century: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 Buick Century uses a column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with mechanical cable linkage and no electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and set the parking brake firmly
- These models typically do NOT have an electronic shift lock system
- Simply press the brake pedal and move the column shifter to Neutral position
- If the shifter feels stuck, there may be cable binding or mechanical issues rather than an electronic lock
- Check that the shifter release button on the side of the lever is fully depressed while attempting to shift
- If still unable to shift, the transmission shift cable or linkage may need inspection
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
With zero electrical power
The 1991 Century's column shifter operates mechanically via cable linkage and does not require electrical power to shift into Neutral. If the shifter will not move with a dead battery, the issue is mechanical (stuck cable, linkage problem, or transmission park pawl) rather than electronic shift lock. The brake pedal should still function normally to release the mechanical shift interlock if equipped.