🚨 2002 Pontiac Montana: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Montana uses a center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a button on the handle for PRNDL selection.
🧰 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if possible (not START)
- Press and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover directly forward of the shifter base on the console
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or key to remove or pry up the small plastic cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the key is in ACC and the vehicle rolls, steering will be locked—use extreme caution
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover directly forward of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override still works mechanically. Turn the key to ACC (mechanical position) to unlock the steering column, then follow the override procedure. The steering wheel will lock if the key is removed or turned off.