How to Shift to Neutral When a Buick Has No Power?
2 Answers
Press the brake pedal with your foot to prevent the vehicle from rolling on uneven roads, and keep it pressed. There is a shift lock button on the side of the gear lever. If the vehicle is powered on, hold the button to keep the lever unlocked. At the front of the gear shift console, there is a P (Park) position. Push the lever to slide it into the P position. After releasing the shift lock button on the lever, you can shift to neutral. Remember to engage the handbrake after shifting to prevent rolling.
I've been in the auto repair business for half my life, and Buick's method for shifting to neutral when the battery is dead is quite practical. Usually, you can spot a small hole or button near the gear shift—that's the emergency release. Press it with a flathead screwdriver or a key, and you'll feel it click and release. Then, gently move the gear shift to the N position. Make sure the car is parked on level ground and the handbrake is engaged during the operation, as the brake assist might fail without power, making the brake pedal too stiff to press. This design is meant for emergency towing, but frequent use isn't recommended to avoid damaging the transmission. I've tried this trick countless times on Buicks, and I advise owners to check their manuals early to familiarize themselves with the location for emergencies. Keeping a small tool in the car ensures you can handle the situation calmly and quickly when needed.
