🚨 2019 Buick Encore: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Buick Encore uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever with 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock release access cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter)
- Using a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool, carefully pry off the small rectangular access cover
- Insert a key, small screwdriver, or pen into the shift lock override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base, slot is directly beneath
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You may need to manually turn the ignition key to ACC position (this does not require battery power for the mechanical lock cylinder to rotate). If the steering lock is engaged and cannot be released, you may need to jump-start the vehicle minimally to power the shifter unlock solenoid.