🚨 2019 Volkswagen Voyage: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Voyage uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with a front-mounted shift lock button.
🧰 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 ACC or ON position if battery has any charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover on the front face of the shifter base, just below the shift button
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small plastic cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if power available) and the shift button
- Move the shifter to Neutral while holding the override depressed
- If the shifter will not move, ensure you are pressing deeply enough into the override slot - you should feel resistance release
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the front face of the shifter base, directly below the main shift lock button
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot can still be used mechanically. You will NOT be able to turn the ignition to any position. Simply access the override slot, insert the key or screwdriver, and push down firmly while moving the shifter - no brake pedal depression is needed when there is zero power. The mechanical override bypasses the electronic shift interlock entirely.