🚨 2005 Pontiac Bonneville: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 Bonneville (final model year) uses a traditional column-mounted shift lever with a button on the side for gear changes.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge)
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the lower left side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shift lever
- Remove the small rubber cover or cap over the override slot
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver or key into the override slot and press firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral
- If the steering wheel is locked, you may need to turn the key to ACC while gently turning the wheel to unlock it
Shift-lock override location
Lower left side of the steering column shroud near the shift lever base, under a small rubber cover
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot still functions mechanically. You will need to manually turn the key to ACC to unlock the steering column (may require slight wheel movement to relieve tension on the lock pin). The override release is purely mechanical and does not require electrical power.