🚨 2000 Cadillac Catera: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Cadillac Catera uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable plastic cap on the console to the left side of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal end of the ignition key to carefully pry off the plastic cover cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- While holding the tool down to depress the shift lock release mechanism, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the brake pedal is inoperative, maintain downward pressure on the override and shift to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Console-mounted slot to the left of the shifter base, under a removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do not need ignition power to use the override slot. Simply access the override as described and shift to Neutral without turning the key.