🚨 2020 UAZ Patriot: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 UAZ Patriot with automatic transmission uses a traditional floor-mounted automatic shifter with mechanical linkage and a shift lock solenoid.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Engage the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (or ACC if battery is weak but not completely dead) to release the shift lock.
- Press the brake pedal fully and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shift lock will not release, locate the shift lock override slot—typically a small covered slot near the base of the shifter on the console.
- Remove the override slot cover (it may be a small rubber plug or plastic cap).
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the shifter base on the center console; exact position may vary but typically on the right or front side of the shifter housing.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override must be used. The override is a mechanical release that does not require battery power—insert tool into override slot, press down firmly, and shift to Neutral while holding the shifter button.