🚨 1998 GAZ Sobol: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 GAZ Sobol with automatic transmission uses a column-mounted shifter lever typical of 1990s Russian light commercial vehicles.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Firmly depress the brake pedal
- Look for a shift lock release mechanism near the column shifter base—this may be a small button or slot
- If an override slot is present, insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool and press while moving the shifter toward Neutral
- If no override mechanism is visible, the shift interlock may be purely mechanical; attempt to rock the steering wheel while applying steady pressure to the shifter button and moving toward Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Check near the base of the column shifter assembly; override mechanism may be minimal or absent on this era of Russian commercial vehicle
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you will likely need to access the transmission selector linkage directly. From underneath the vehicle, locate the shift cable at the transmission and manually move the external selector lever to Neutral. This is the most reliable method for 1990s GAZ vehicles with dead batteries.