🚨 2019 Chevrolet Equinox: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Equinox uses a traditional console-mounted PRNDL lever shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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 and chock the wheels.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap located on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or a similar thin tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if you have any residual power) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead and the brake doesn't help, continue holding the override down and apply firm rearward pressure on the shifter to move it to Neutral.
- The shifter should release and move to Neutral; you may need to rock the vehicle slightly if the transmission parking pawl is under load.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. Remove the override cap, insert a tool, press down firmly, and shift to Neutral. You may need to apply significant force. If the parking brake is electronic (EPB), it will remain engaged with no power—you'll need to tow with the rear wheels off the ground or use a flatbed.