🚨 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora: Emergency Neutral
The 1997 Aurora uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly set and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small covered access hole on the left side of the shifter base near the button
- Remove the small plastic cover cap from the override slot using a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If the vehicle must be towed, shift to Neutral only - do not attempt to shift to Park without power as it may lock the transmission
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shifter button mechanism
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override will still function mechanically. You may need to use a physical key to unlock the steering column. The shifter override is purely mechanical and does not require electrical power. If you cannot turn the key to ACC, the steering will remain locked - you'll need to unlock steering manually or use a jump box to get minimal power for the ignition cylinder.