🚨 2016 Chevrolet Sonic: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Sonic uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with a button on the front of the shift lever for gear selection.
✓ 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
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening on the driver's side of the shifter base, covered by a removable plastic cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, pen, or similar tool straight down into the override slot while pressing the shifter button
- While holding the tool down in the override slot, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral
- If moving to a flatbed, you can continue to move through Neutral to reach other gears if needed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the driver's side of the shifter base, covered by a removable plastic cap near the base of the console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still work mechanically. You will not be able to turn the ignition to ACC, but the override slot bypass allows shifter movement without any electrical power. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed - it cannot be towed with wheels down.