🚨 2024 Cadillac Lyriq: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq uses an electronic push-button gear selector mounted on the center console.
🧰 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 vehicle is on level ground and chocked
- Attempt to power on the vehicle - press the brake pedal and push the Power button
- If the 12V battery has enough charge to power on the vehicle, press the Neutral (N) button on the gear selector
- If the vehicle powers on but displays a 'Service Shifter' message or won't respond to button presses, look for a manual shift lock release near the gear selector buttons
- Check for a small cover or slot adjacent to or underneath the gear selector button panel - this may require carefully prying up a trim piece
- If a manual release is found, insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or key into the release slot while attempting to press the Neutral button
Shift-lock override location
The manual shift lock override location, if present, would typically be near or underneath the push-button gear selector panel on the center console, but this may require removing a small trim cover
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the Lyriq's electronic push-button shifter will be completely non-functional. You MUST jump-start the 12V battery (located under the hood) or connect a portable jump starter to get enough power to activate the shifter. The 12V system powers all body control modules including the shifter. Without any 12V power, the transmission cannot be electronically shifted into neutral. Do not attempt to tow with wheels on the ground.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The Lyriq is a rear-wheel-drive EV. NEVER tow with the rear wheels on the ground - the electric motor will generate voltage that can damage the drive system and create a fire hazard. Always use a flatbed or trailer, or dolly the rear wheels. If you must move the vehicle a very short distance (a few feet), having it in Neutral with 12V power restored is required, but flatbed transport is mandatory for any real distance.