🚨 2022 Volkswagen Atlas: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Atlas continues with a console-mounted shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock.
✓ 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 vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is firmly applied.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (or press start button twice without brake pedal) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override cover on the left side of the shifter base, near where it meets the center console.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park.
- Shift to Neutral.
- If you need to move the vehicle with no power, keep the override pressed while an assistant steers; for flatbed loading, leave in Neutral with override released once positioned.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the console trim.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You will not have power steering or brake assist, so the vehicle should only be pushed short distances or loaded onto a flatbed. The steering wheel may be locked; you may need to manually turn the physical key in the ignition (if equipped) or use the mechanical key slot to unlock the steering column.