How to Shift to Neutral When the Cruze Has No Power?

[Tony]

You can find a plug with the word "SHIFT" near the vehicle's gear lever. Then use a pin to insert into the gap of the plug to pry it up. After that, you can remove the plug. Next, insert the vehicle's key into the small hole, or use another long object, to shift the gear to the N position.

[AubreeFitz]

When my car runs out of battery, shifting to neutral can be quite a skill. For automatic transmission cars like the Cruze, there's usually a small hidden button near the gear shift lever. You need to gently pry open the cover with a screwdriver, press the button, and simultaneously push the gear lever into the neutral position. I've been driving this car for several years, and I remember one time when the battery suddenly died in the countryside. I used this trick to push the car to the roadside to wait for help. Safety first—make sure the car is stable and the handbrake is engaged before attempting this. Some people might not know about this design, which is actually meant to prevent accidental gear shifts, but it comes in handy in emergencies. Additionally, shifting to neutral when towing makes it easier to move the car, avoiding bigger troubles. Learning these little tricks can be a lifesaver.

[LeBriella]

When the car loses power and you need to shift to neutral, I was quite panicked at first too. The Cruze has an emergency release button under the gear shift lever, located near the base of the shifter, usually covered by a small plastic tab. You can pry it open with your key or a hard card, then press it to shift directly to neutral. This is designed for power loss situations—I just experienced it last week when the battery suddenly died, and thankfully I found the steps on my phone to handle it. The key is not to force the shifter, as it can cause damage. After completing the operation, remember to call a tow truck or jump-start the car. Safety tip: Stay calm during the process, and never attempt this on a slope to prevent the car from rolling. Regularly checking these release points during maintenance can save you a lot of trouble.

[LeAlexa]

To put a powerless Cruze in neutral, simply locate the emergency button near the gear shift, press it with a tool, and move the gear lever to neutral. The button is usually in a visible spot near the driver's seat, though it's small and requires careful searching. You can use a screwdriver or key as a tool. Act quickly to save time. Shifting to neutral is useful for towing or push-starting the car—it's safe and practical. I've tried this method several times, and it worked every time.