🚨 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Bolt EUV uses an electronic center console shifter with P-R-N-D-L positions and a shift-lock release button integrated into the shifter assembly.
✓ 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
- Turn off the vehicle completely if it's on (press power button with brake pedal depressed if possible).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it's a small rectangular opening on the left side of the shifter base, directly adjacent to the shift lever.
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot if present (it may be a simple press-fit cover or may not be present).
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the release button on the shifter and move the shifter to neutral (N).
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, you may need to provide temporary 12V power via a jump box or jumper cables to energize the shifter solenoid before attempting the override.
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved, but steering and braking will be unpowered.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, directly adjacent to the shift lever
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter is completely locked. You MUST provide temporary 12V power (jump pack or jumper cables to another vehicle) to energize the shifter electronics before the mechanical override will function. Connect positive to the underhood positive jump post and negative to ground.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
FLATBED TOW ONLY. The Bolt EUV must be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground. Do NOT tow with any wheels on the ground as the electric drive motors will generate voltage that can damage the high-voltage system and create a fire hazard. Even in neutral, the wheels are mechanically connected to the motor/generators.