🚨 2009 Cadillac STS-V: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Cadillac STS-V (final model year) uses a center console floor-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock, identical to the standard STS.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a removable cap located on the console to the right side of the shifter base.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to remove the cap covering the override slot.
- While pressing the brake pedal, insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle still will not shift, ensure the ignition is in ACC or ON—the shift lock solenoid requires some electrical power to release even with override.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the right side of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override may not function as the solenoid still requires minimal power. In this case, you may need to provide jump power to ACC position, press brake, use override, shift to Neutral, then disconnect jumper. Alternatively, the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded with rear wheels up (RWD).