🚨 2001 Cadillac DeVille: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 DeVille uses a column-mounted shifter with electronic shift-lock and a mechanical override 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- If battery power exists, turn the ignition to ACC or ON position.
- Locate the shift-lock override access on the left side of the steering column, near the base of the shifter lever.
- Remove the plastic cover over the override slot by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or ignition key into the override slot and press inward firmly.
- While holding the override depressed, press the brake pedal (if available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If brake power is not available, keep the override pressed and pull the shifter toward you while shifting to Neutral.
- Release the override and check that the vehicle is in Neutral by attempting to push it.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the steering column shroud, immediately adjacent to the shifter lever base, typically covered by a small snap-in plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, the shift-lock solenoid may not release even when using the override. Try the override procedure first. If the shifter remains locked, apply minimal 12V power using a jump pack or jumper cables to energize the system momentarily. If the mechanism still will not release, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels off the ground.