Forbidden Neutral Issue
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 143
Likes: 63
From: Orlando, FL
Forbidden Neutral Issue
It might be a widely known issue but TIL that you can’t put a C8 in Neutral unless the engine is running (without dismantling the rear of the car). This possibly isn’t a common problem but I was just wondering if anyone on the forum has run into this situation (run out of gas, engine issues…..) and how did you handle it.
I can only remember once in the last 25 years that I had to do this. I had a 2005 SSR that wouldn’t start (defective fuse block) and had to have it towed. There was a plastic cap on the console that covered a manual release button that allowed shifting it out of park.
I can only remember once in the last 25 years that I had to do this. I had a 2005 SSR that wouldn’t start (defective fuse block) and had to have it towed. There was a plastic cap on the console that covered a manual release button that allowed shifting it out of park.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,783
Likes: 559
there is a video from conti about it I recall if your in the car don't open the door and you can put it in neutral but I am not sure. The tow guy will either flat spot your tires( doubtful for a short pull) or put sleds on the wheels or dollys. I shudder at the though and for all the great engineering on the car this is just stupid.
edited to show the video
edited to show the video
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,634
Likes: 1,185
From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
Yeah, the deal is if you put the car in neutral and close the door it goes into park so, if you can't get it started, you're going to have to dolly it onto the flatbed. You would think they would have made it a little easier.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 679
Likes: 279
From: Charlotte NC
I can speak from experience that you can move your car in neutral because I have had problems with the trans losing the even gears which includes reverse making it impossible to get the car out of the garage. This is how I did it several times. Get in and start the engine like normal, engage neutral, get out and close drivers door. Then I pushed the car out of the garage until I was far enough that I could turn and move forward. I then opened the door standing outside beside the car and it goes into park immediately. I think the key is keep the car motionless while operating door. It seems as soon as there is motion any attempt to operate the door causes the automatic into park action. My car is as I type this in the shop having the trans valve body replaced and hopefully be complete tomorrow if the new pan comes in later today (not holding my breath). I was shocked out of my mind that they told me they were able to get a valve body overnight when they ordered it last Thursday (I'll believe all this when I get my car back in my hands 
).
).
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,346
Likes: 2,399
I can speak from experience that you can move your car in neutral because I have had problems with the trans losing the even gears which includes reverse making it impossible to get the car out of the garage. This is how I did it several times. Get in and start the engine like normal, engage neutral, get out and close drivers door. Then I pushed the car out of the garage until I was far enough that I could turn and move forward. I then opened the door standing outside beside the car and it goes into park immediately. I think the key is keep the car motionless while operating door. It seems as soon as there is motion any attempt to operate the door causes the automatic into park action. My car is as I type this in the shop having the trans valve body replaced and hopefully be complete tomorrow if the new pan comes in later today (not holding my breath). I was shocked out of my mind that they told me they were able to get a valve body overnight when they ordered it last Thursday (I'll believe all this when I get my car back in my hands ).
).
