🚨 1997 Buick Riviera: Emergency Neutral
The 1997 Riviera uses a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake interlock 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 applied and the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal end of your key to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar small tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the vehicle must be towed, keep it in Neutral; for long-distance towing, disconnect the driveshaft or use a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small capped slot on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side of the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. You do not need electrical power to use the override slot. However, you will not be able to turn the steering wheel without significant force due to the locked steering column, and you cannot turn the ignition to release the steering lock without some battery power. For loading onto a flatbed with a dead battery, use the shift lock override to access Neutral while pushing/winching the vehicle.