🚨 1999 Mitsubishi Galant: Emergency Neutral
The 1999 Galant (8th generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with mechanical shift lock interlock.
✓ 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override release—look for a small rectangular or square plastic cap near the shifter base, typically on the left side of the shifter console or directly in front of the shifter.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the override cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Release the override tool once in Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cap near the shifter base, typically located on the left side or directly in front of the shifter on the center console.
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, the shift lock override mechanism is fully mechanical and will function without any electrical power. Simply access the override slot, press down with a tool, and shift to Neutral. The ignition position is irrelevant when there is no power.