🚨 2002 Buick Century: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Century uses a traditional column-mounted automatic shifter with a mechanical shift lock system.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening in the plastic shroud on the right side of the steering column, just below and to the right of the shifter lever itself
- Remove the small plastic cover plug from the override slot if present
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight into the override slot approximately 1 inch deep
- While holding the tool firmly pressed into the override slot, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Keep your foot on the brake pedal during this operation if the vehicle has any electrical power
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the steering column, just below and to the right of the shifter lever - a small rectangular slot in the column shroud that may have a removable cover plug
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical override still functions normally. You will not need power to use the override release. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels off the ground or on a flatbed.