🚨 1998 Cadillac DeVille: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 DeVille uses a traditional column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift-lock release.
✓ 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 set and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the left side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shifter lever.
- Remove the small plastic cover (if present) over the override access hole by gently prying with a flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and press firmly inward.
- While holding the override pressed, press the brake pedal (if power is available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no brake pressure is available, continue holding the override and pull the shifter toward you while moving it to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, release the override and verify the vehicle can roll freely.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the steering column shroud near the shifter base, under a small plastic cover.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift-lock solenoid is unpowered and may not engage. Try shifting normally first with the override pressed. If the column remains locked, you may need to jumpstart the 12V system minimally (jump pack to battery) to release internal locking mechanisms, or have the vehicle winched onto a flatbed.