Cadillac Emergency Neutral Switch?
3 Answers
Emergency switch is located above the glove compartment on the left side of the dashboard. Common functions are as follows: 1. Starting and turning off the vehicle: The vehicle features a push-button start, eliminating the need for key insertion and rotation to ignite. The button is located behind the right side of the steering wheel; pressing the power button once supplies power to some components inside the vehicle. 2. Dashboard information: While driving, it's essential to constantly monitor the dashboard information. Basic operational information of the vehicle is displayed above, from left to right: the tachometer, speedometer, and fuel gauge. If there's an issue with the vehicle's operation, specific indicator lights will illuminate above. 3. Steering wheel buttons: The buttons on the steering wheel are designed for the driver's convenience in operating the central control screen, avoiding the need to take hands off the wheel while driving. The buttons on the left mainly set the cruise control function (which can automatically maintain speed), while the buttons on the right are for switching the central control audio and tracks.
Last time I encountered this issue with my Cadillac was quite scary—sudden power loss while driving on the highway. The emergency neutral switch is that small, conspicuous orange or yellow button near the center console. Traditional automatic transmission owners might not even recognize it, but it’s actually a lifesaver for cars with electronic shifters, mainly used when the vehicle completely freezes or needs towing. In my case, I held it down for five seconds until I heard a click, forcing the gear into neutral, and then had it towed to the shop to check the transmission module. I recommend not pressing it while driving, as it can damage the transmission gears. This design is safer than mechanical cables, but proper operation is crucial. During every maintenance visit, have the mechanic check if the button springs back properly to avoid it getting stuck when needed.
I've been repairing Cadillacs for ten years. This switch is commonly located on the side of the center console or the gear shift panel. It's specifically designed to address electronic transmission failures, such as when the vehicle stalls and gets stuck in Park (P) mode, making towing impossible. To operate it, you need to turn the ignition on without starting the engine, then press and hold the switch until the N light on the dashboard illuminates. Once, a customer's car got flooded in the rain, and we used this switch to quickly shift to neutral and tow it away. Note that it shouldn't be used as a substitute for regular neutral shifting, as frequent use can wear out the actuator. It's recommended to check the transmission control module voltage every two years, as unstable voltage might falsely trigger a malfunction. This little button can save you thousands in towing fees when it matters most.
