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How to shift automatic transmission to neutral with dead battery
Does anyone know where the override button is to shift an A6 transmission into Neutral with a dead battery?? Also, jumping the battery is not an option for me as the vehicle will not start cause of missing components.
There is no manual / mechanical override. If there is zero electrical power you will have to take the console off and manually disengage the shift lock.
Just for reference, this is the procedure if there is enough battery power:
Thanks to xp800 for listing this:
You need to get the car into service mode:
1. Foot OFF the brake
2. Press and HOLD Start button for ~8-10 seconds
3. Lights and chimes will sound and it will be just like the "old days" of key two clicks
forward in the On/Run position
4. Release Start button
5. Press brake and shift into Neutral
6. When done, move back to Park and press Start (no foot on brake) to get out of the
service mode (if you don't do this the car will stay on until the battery runs out)
There is no manual / mechanical override. If there is zero electrical power you will have to take the console off and manually disengage the shift lock.
Just for reference, this is the procedure if there is enough battery power:
Thanks to xp800 for listing this:
You need to get the car into service mode:
1. Foot OFF the brake
2. Press and HOLD Start button for ~8-10 seconds
3. Lights and chimes will sound and it will be just like the "old days" of key two clicks
forward in the On/Run position
4. Release Start button
5. Press brake and shift into Neutral
6. When done, move back to Park and press Start (no foot on brake) to get out of the
service mode (if you don't do this the car will stay on until the battery runs out)
Simple, get under the rear and remove the 10mm nut from the shift lever on side of trans and push the lever two clicks forward to neutral. Best way that I've found. Good luck.
Well for everyone wondering, I have finally found override button by the shifter. It's on the left side and it's the middle hole. You just need the right tool to squeeze in there
There is no manual / mechanical override. If there is zero electrical power you will have to take the console off and manually disengage the shift lock.
Just for reference, this is the procedure if there is enough battery power:
Thanks to xp800 for listing this:
You need to get the car into service mode:
1. Foot OFF the brake
2. Press and HOLD Start button for ~8-10 seconds
3. Lights and chimes will sound and it will be just like the "old days" of key two clicks
forward in the On/Run position
4. Release Start button
5. Press brake and shift into Neutral
6. When done, move back to Park and press Start (no foot on brake) to get out of the
service mode (if you don't do this the car will stay on until the battery runs out)
Thank you Rick, merci beaucoup, infiniment !!!
I was very worried because I have an A8, coming from your country, the USA and I wanted to apply the procedure pages 218 and 219 to go from P to N or other without starting : it does not work ! I tried ten times at least. My weekend was already ruined, Vador (its nickname) is new and I look here if someone had this misadventure and I come across this thread first, I read you, I apply your procedure and...it works !
I was very worried because I have an A8, coming from your country, the USA and I wanted to apply the procedure pages 218 and 219 to go from P to N or other without starting : it does not work ! I tried ten times at least. My weekend was already ruined, Vador (its nickname) is new and I look here if someone had this misadventure and I come across this thread first, I read you, I apply your procedure and...it works !
Great, thanks, super, guy !
The 6 step process worked for my C7 when it was in Park in my garage, and I needed to put it in Neutral to roll it out without starting the engine. The reason was that I had to have the car put on a flatbed tow truck because an idiot at the dealer did not tighten the oil filter properly following an oil change causing a lot of oil to leak out before I discovered it. I could not tell how much oil was still in the engine (nothing showed on the dip stick) so I took no chances. The dealer apologized profusely, sent and paid for the tow truck, and my next oil change there is free. FYI - I found the process on this website via Google.
Last edited by Roblaura; 04-09-2021 at 05:52 PM.
Reason: correct 7 to 6
Old thread, but very good information to know about.
Not really. The OPs question was never really answered on a dead car. He answered his own question with a vague answer on the park override.
Originally Posted by AirStingray
Well for everyone wondering, I have finally found override button by the shifter. It's on the left side and it's the middle hole. You just need the right tool to squeeze in there
I GOT IT!! After so much poking around, I finally found the hole mentioned. It's on the left side of the shifter, on the side of the black circular plate towards the dash. There is a small hole. I was able to fit the short end of a 5/32 allen wrench into the hole and then the shifter shifts easily. It's easier to see if the console trim and the console bottom are both detached so you can move things around.
I GOT IT!! After so much poking around, I finally found the hole mentioned. It's on the left side of the shifter, on the side of the black circular plate towards the dash. There is a small hole. I was able to fit the short end of a 5/32 allen wrench into the hole and then the shifter shifts easily. It's easier to see if the console trim and the console bottom are both detached so you can move things around.
Why do t you take a picture if possible it may help someone else out in the future. 👍
"I didn't think GM would design it without taking that into consideration." Yeah, right. Just go to the C8 Forum hear and read the replies to the same question.
I still don't get it. Sorry. Can you or someone add an arrow or a circle mark on the image?
Need an arrow or something to point it out. I'm getting information but it doesn't help locating the A: hole, B: the flat plastic, or anything. Sorry, I'm just dense.
Need an arrow or something to point it out. I'm getting information but it doesn't help locating the A: hole, B: the flat plastic, or anything. Sorry, I'm just dense.
Elmer
I don’t get it either. Need an arrow or something it isn’t that clear can’t figure it out
12-18-2016, 04:10 PM
How to shift automatic transmission to neutral with dead battery
I don’t get it either. Need an arrow or something it isn’t that clear can’t figure it out
