🚨 1999 Pontiac Bonneville: Emergency Neutral
The 1999 Bonneville uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light circuit.
✓ 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 wheels are chocked
- Turn ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover directly forward and to the left of the shifter base on the console
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off or flip open the small cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and push straight down while simultaneously pulling the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position
- If the vehicle must be towed, leave in Neutral for short-distance flat towing or use a flatbed/dolly for longer distances
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cover located forward and to the left of the shifter base on the center console, adjacent to the shifter boot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and will still function. You will not be able to turn the steering wheel (locked) or release the parking brake electrically if equipped with electric park brake release, but the shifter override works without any electrical power. The ignition key may be difficult to turn without battery power but the override mechanism itself requires no electricity.