🚨 2020 Cadillac CT4: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 CT4 uses a traditional center console-mounted electronic shifter with a lever that moves through P-R-N-D positions.
✓ 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 vehicle is secure and the parking brake is applied if possible
- If the battery has any charge, insert the key fob and press the brake pedal fully
- Press the engine start button to power on the vehicle to at least accessory mode
- With brake pedal depressed, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral
- If the shifter will not release from Park due to dead battery or failed brake switch, locate the shift lock override
- The override access is a small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side)
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key blade to pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral
- The vehicle can now be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cover on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base at the console; the override slot is directly beneath this cover
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the mechanical shift lock override will still work. Press the override and move the shifter mechanically to Neutral. No electrical power is required for the override function itself.