🚨 2019 Chevrolet Volt: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Volt has an electronic center console shifter with a button on the left side of the shifter lever for Park release.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if 12V battery has any charge remaining.
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal.
- Press the Park release button on the left side of the shifter lever while pulling the shifter toward you to move out of Park.
- If the shifter still will not move, locate the shift lock release access cover—a small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover.
- Insert a key, screwdriver, or similar tool into the shift lock release slot and press down while moving the shifter out of Park.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side; the override slot is beneath this cover.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not respond to the Park release button. You must use the manual shift lock release override slot (remove the cover on the left side of the shifter base and press down in the slot with a tool) to mechanically release the shifter into Neutral. The vehicle cannot be driven in this state.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The Volt is a plug-in hybrid with a high-voltage traction battery. DO NOT attempt to tow with rear wheels on the ground—this will damage the electric drive unit. The vehicle MUST be flatbedded or dollied with the front wheels raised. If the 12V battery is dead, the drive unit may not disengage properly even in Neutral. For long-distance transport, always use a flatbed.