🚨 2000 Pontiac Firebird: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Firebird uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge remaining).
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the right side of the shifter base, beneath a small rectangular cap marked with an icon or the word 'SHIFT LOCK'.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the cap cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or a similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park.
- If the vehicle has no power and the steering column is locked, you may need to slightly rock the steering wheel while turning the key to ACC to unlock the column before shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Right side of shifter base, under a small rectangular cap labeled 'SHIFT LOCK'
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the steering column will likely be locked. You may need to use a jump box or jumper cables to provide minimal power to unlock the steering column and allow the key to turn to ACC, which will enable use of the shift lock override. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels off the ground or on dollies.