🚨 2007 Saab 9-5: Emergency Neutral
The 2007 Saab 9-5 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with an electronic shift interlock that requires brake pedal input and ignition power.
✓ 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 applied and the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked
- Turn the ignition key to the ON (II) position if battery power is available; if the battery is completely dead, proceed to the manual override
- Locate the shift lock override access—there is a small rectangular cover/cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter assembly)
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override access cover
- With the cover removed, you will see a small slot or release mechanism; insert a flathead screwdriver or key into the slot
- Press down firmly on the override release while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park toward Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base; pry off to access the manual shift lock release slot underneath
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, the override slot is fully mechanical—no ignition position is required. Simply remove the override cover and use the release slot to shift into Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be towed with front wheels off the ground or on a flatbed.