🚨 2014 Buick Regal: Emergency Neutral
The 2014 Buick Regal eAssist (mild hybrid) uses a center console-mounted electronic shifter with shift-lock override.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 you have any battery power (the 12V battery, not the hybrid battery)
- Locate the small rectangular cap or cover near the base of the shifter on the console (typically on the left side or front of the shifter boot)
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry up and remove the override cover
- Insert a key or small screwdriver into the exposed override slot
- Press down on the override release while pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- Replace the cover after shifting to Neutral
- For towing: With vehicle in Neutral and ignition in ACC, the vehicle can be flat-towed short distances at low speed, but flatbed is strongly recommended
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover near the base of the center console shifter, typically on the left side or forward of the shifter boot
With zero electrical power
The eAssist hybrid has both a 12V battery and a hybrid battery pack. If the 12V battery is dead, the mechanical shift-lock override will still function. However, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery or connect external power to unlock the steering column if completely dead. The hybrid system does not need to be active to shift to Neutral.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The 2014 Regal eAssist is a mild hybrid. For towing, use a flatbed whenever possible. If flat-towing is absolutely necessary in an emergency, keep distance under 50 miles and speed under 35 mph with the vehicle in Neutral and ignition in ACC. Extended flat-towing can damage the hybrid system components. Always prefer flatbed transport.