🚨 2016 Cadillac SRX: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 SRX (second generation, final model year) uses a center console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 a level surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a protective cap on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base, near the console trim
- Remove the protective cap by prying gently with a flat tool or pulling it off
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, ignition key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the tool down in the override slot, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cap; the vehicle can now be moved or towed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cap on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base, integrated into the console trim
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and will still function. You do not need any battery power to use the override slot—simply insert the tool, press down, and shift to Neutral. The override physically releases the shifter lock mechanism.