🚨 1990 Chevrolet Beretta: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 Chevrolet Beretta with automatic transmission uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a cable-actuated shift lock mechanism.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any remaining charge
- Locate the shift lock override release - it is a small rectangular slot or button located on the shifter console, usually to the right or in front of the shifter lever base
- Look for a small plastic cap or cover that may need to be removed to access the override
- If there is a cap, carefully pry it off with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, pen, or key into the override slot
- Press down on the override release while simultaneously depressing the brake pedal (if power available)
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- The shifter should move freely once the override is properly depressed
Shift-lock override location
Located on the shifter console near the base of the shifter lever, typically on the right side or front, often under a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override is a mechanical release that does not require electrical power to function. However, the ignition key may be difficult or impossible to turn without battery power. The steering column will be locked, so the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed - do NOT attempt to tow with wheels on the ground as the steering will not turn.