🚨 2012 Cadillac CTS-V: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 CTS-V uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock tied to the brake pedal and ignition.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the console
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- While holding the tool down in the override slot to release the shift lock, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the shifter will not move, ensure the tool is fully inserted and apply firm downward pressure while attempting to shift
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base in the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shift lock may still prevent shifting even with the override. If the override does not work with zero power, the vehicle must be lifted or dollied with the rear wheels off the ground for towing. The steering wheel will also be locked, so the front wheels must remain straight or the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed. Do not attempt to flat-tow with a dead battery.