🚨 2009 Chevrolet Impala SS: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Impala SS uses a traditional column-mounted shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch circuit.
🧰 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 key to ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge)
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the steering column shroud, typically found as a small rectangular opening near the base of the shifter lever on the right side
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot if present
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot
- Press down or push in firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and moving it to Neutral
- If successful, the shifter will release and move freely to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the right side of the column shroud near the shifter base, may have a removable cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot is mechanical and will still function. Insert screwdriver/key into the override slot, press firmly, and shift to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be loaded with wheels straight or dollied.