🚨 2019 GMC Canyon: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 GMC Canyon uses a modern electronic console-mounted shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the body control module.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and vehicle is on level ground
- If battery has any charge, turn ignition to ON position (push button without brake pedal pressed twice)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shifter release button and move shifter to Neutral
- If shifter will not release from Park due to failed brake switch or dead battery, locate the shift lock override access
- The override access is located on the left side of the shifter console, just forward of the cupholders
- Look for a small rectangular cap or cover - pry it off carefully with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a key, small screwdriver, or the override tool (if vehicle came with one in the owner's manual kit) into the exposed slot
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving to Neutral
- Keep override pressed until shifter is fully in Neutral position
- Once in Neutral, vehicle can be pushed short distances or loaded onto flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter console, just forward of the cupholder area - small rectangular cover conceals the override slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, you MUST use the shift lock override as the electronic shifter interlock will not function. The override is mechanical. However, note that with zero power the electronic parking brake (if equipped) may not release - you may need to access the manual parking brake release (consult owner's manual) or the vehicle may need to be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels locked. The electronic shifter itself only needs the mechanical override to reach Neutral with no power.