🚨 2016 Chevrolet Volt: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Volt (Gen 2) uses a redesigned electronic shifter on the center console with a lower-profile lever and P-R-N-D-L positions.
✓ 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 access—look for a small removable cap or slot near the shifter base on the center console (the Gen 2 design changed from Gen 1, so check the area around the shifter carefully)
- Remove the cap and insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral (you may need to press the shifter button/release)
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, you must jump-start or connect a 12V power source—the electronic shifter requires electrical power to release
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or pulled onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Check the area around the shifter base on the center console for a small removable cap; Gen 2 Volt (2016+) shifter design differs from Gen 1, so consult the owner's manual for exact location
With zero electrical power
The 2016 Volt's electronic shifter requires 12V power to function. With a completely dead battery, you must jump-start the 12V system (not the high-voltage system) or connect a portable jump pack before the shifter can be moved, even with the override. The 12V battery is located in the rear cargo area under the load floor.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The Volt is a plug-in hybrid with a high-voltage battery system. If the vehicle must be towed, it MUST be flatbedded or dollied with the front wheels OFF the ground. Towing with front wheels on the ground will spin the electric drive motor and can cause severe damage to the drive unit and high-voltage system, even in Neutral. Do not attempt to tow this vehicle with front wheels down under any circumstances.