🚨 2002 Cadillac DeVille: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 DeVille employs a column-mounted shifter with an electronic shift-lock system 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
- Firmly set the parking brake and chock the wheels securely.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON if any battery power remains.
- Locate the shift-lock override on the left side of the steering column shroud, near the shifter lever base.
- Carefully 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 press firmly inward.
- While maintaining pressure on the override, press the brake pedal (if power is available) and shift the lever to Neutral.
- If brake assist is unavailable, continue holding the override and pull the shifter toward you while moving to Neutral.
- Release the override once in Neutral and verify the vehicle can roll.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the steering column shroud, directly beside the base of the shifter lever, under a removable plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shift-lock may remain engaged despite using the override. First attempt the override procedure. If the shifter stays locked, temporarily apply 12V power via jump pack or jumper cables to release the solenoid. If the mechanism still will not disengage, flatbed towing with front wheels raised is necessary.