🚨 2014 Chevrolet Impala: Emergency Neutral
The 2014 Impala (tenth generation) uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with shift lock.
🧰 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 to ACC or ON position if possible (requires some battery voltage)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Locate the shift lock override: there is a small rectangular cap/cover on the left side of the shifter base in the console
- Pry off the cap carefully with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If there is NO power: the override mechanism requires at least minimal electrical power to disengage the shift lock—you may need to jump-start the 12V battery with jumper cables or a jump pack to get enough power to use the override, then immediately shift to Neutral before disconnecting
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base in the center console
With zero electrical power
The tenth-generation Impala's electronic shifter requires at least minimal 12V power even for the override to function. If completely dead, you must provide power via jumper cables or a portable jump starter to energize the shift lock solenoid circuit, then use the override. Without any power, the shifter will not release mechanically.