🚨 2000 Cadillac DeVille: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 DeVille features a column-mounted shifter with an electronic shift-lock and mechanical override.
✓ 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 set and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift-lock override on the left side of the steering column near the shifter base.
- Pry off the small plastic cover over the override access hole using a flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and push firmly inward.
- While holding the override, press the brake pedal (if power available) and shift to Neutral.
- If no brake assist is available, maintain override pressure and pull the shifter lever toward you while moving to Neutral.
- Release the override and verify Neutral engagement by attempting to roll the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the steering column shroud, directly adjacent to the shifter lever base, under a removable plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shift-lock may remain engaged even with the override pressed. First attempt the override procedure. If unsuccessful, connect a jump pack or jumper cables briefly to provide minimal power to disengage the solenoid. If this still fails, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed with the front wheels lifted.