🚨 2006 Cadillac CTS: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 CTS has a traditional 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 — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 release access cover on the center console—it is a small rectangular cap located to the left of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover.
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the shift lock release 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 moved without battery power, you will need to jump the 12V system minimally or use the mechanical override while manually pushing/winching the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover to the left of the shifter base on the driver's side of the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically, but the transmission may remain locked in Park depending on the solenoid design. A jump pack or jump start may be required to provide minimal 12V power to release the transmission park pawl. If absolutely no power is available, the vehicle must be winched or dollied onto a flatbed.