🚨 1993 Chevrolet Beretta: Emergency Neutral
The 1993 Beretta uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a button on top for the automatic transmission.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if possible (this may restore some electrical function)
- Press and hold the shifter button on top of the gear lever
- If the shifter remains locked with dead battery, locate the small plastic access cover on the left side of the shifter base near the console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off this access cover
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the shift lock override slot revealed underneath
- While pressing the override with the tool, press the shifter button and move to Neutral
- If key cannot turn: manually override the steering lock by turning the wheel slightly while turning the key
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic access cover on the left side of the shifter base near the console; override slot is underneath this cover
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock may still release mechanically using the override slot. If ignition key won't turn, you may need to jump-start or charge the battery minimally just to unlock the steering column, but the shift lock override should work mechanically without power.