🚨 2005 Buick Century: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 Century uses a traditional column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift lock override.
🧰 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and ensure the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening on the lower left side of the shifter housing on the steering column, just below where the shift lever enters the column
- Remove the small plastic cover over the override slot if present (it may pop off with a fingernail or small screwdriver)
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, ignition key, or similar tool into the override slot and press firmly downward
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power is available) and move the shift lever to Neutral
- If no electrical power is available, continue holding the override down and use firm pressure to move the shift lever to Neutral - the mechanical override should release the shift lock mechanism
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the lower left side of the column shifter housing, just below where the shift lever enters the steering column
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override is mechanical and should still function. Insert tool into override slot, press down firmly, and use steady pressure to move the shifter to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked unless the key can be turned to ACC, but the vehicle can still roll in Neutral.