🚨 2007 Cadillac CTS-V: Emergency Neutral
The 2007 CTS-V (first generation) uses a traditional center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a mechanical lever moving through P-R-N-D-3-2 gate 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 on a level surface and parking brake is applied
- If battery has any charge, insert the key and turn to ON or ACC position
- Press the brake pedal fully
- Press the shift lock release button on the shifter (typically on the left side of the shifter handle) and move the lever to Neutral
- If the shifter remains locked due to dead battery or brake switch failure, locate the shift lock override
- Look for a small plastic cover or access slot on the left side of the shifter base console trim
- Remove the cover using a small flathead screwdriver
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and apply downward pressure
- While holding the override, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral
- Vehicle can now roll freely
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cover on the left side of the shifter console base; exact position is at the lower portion of the shifter bezel trim on the driver's side
With zero electrical power
The mechanical override works without any electrical power. Simply access the override slot, press down, and move the shifter mechanically to Neutral. The transmission's parking pawl will disengage.