If you find yourself in a situation where your car’s battery has died, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. One of the most important things to do is to put your car in neutral so that it can be towed or pushed. However, this can be difficult to do with a dead battery. Here are a few tips on how to put your car in neutral with a dead battery and with minimum effort.
First, you will need to locate the shift lock release lever. This lever is usually located near the gear shift. Once you have found the lever, pull it up and hold it in the up position. Next, use your other hand to shift the gear shift into neutral. Once the gear shift is in neutral, release the shift lock release lever. Your car should now be in neutral and ready to be towed or pushed.
If you are unable to locate the shift lock release lever, you may still be able to put your car in neutral. However, this method is more difficult and may damage your transmission if it is not done correctly. To put your car in neutral without the shift lock release lever, you will need to use a screwdriver or other tool to pry the shift lever out of park. Once the shift lever is out of park, you can shift the gear shift into neutral. Be careful not to force the shift lever, as this could damage your transmission.
Locating the Neutral Safety Lock
Before you can put your car in neutral with a dead battery, you need to locate the neutral safety lock. This lock is a safety feature that prevents you from shifting the car into gear unless the brake pedal is depressed. The neutral safety lock is usually located on the center console, near the shifter. It may be a small button or a lever.
If you can’t find the neutral safety lock, consult your car’s owner’s manual. The manual will have a diagram of the center console that shows the location of the lock.
Once you have located the neutral safety lock, you need to depress the brake pedal and hold it down. This will release the lock and allow you to shift the car into neutral.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for locating the neutral safety lock:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the neutral safety lock. |
| 2 | Depress the brake pedal and hold it down. |
| 3 | Shift the car into neutral. |
Using the Manual Override
Most vehicles have a manual override feature that allows you to shift the car into neutral even with a dead battery. However, it’s important to note that this feature may vary depending on the specific make and model of your vehicle. Here are the general steps on how to use the manual override:
Locate the manual override release
The manual override release is typically located near the shifter, either under the center console or in the engine bay. It may be covered by a small plastic cover or cap. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the exact location.
Remove the cover or cap
Once you’ve located the manual override release, remove the cover or cap by gently prying it off. Be careful not to damage the cover or release mechanism.
Insert a suitable tool
Insert a thin, flat-head screwdriver or other suitable tool into the manual override release. The tool should fit snugly into the release’s slot or hole.
Depress the release and shift into neutral
Gently press down on the tool while simultaneously shifting the gear lever into the neutral position. The release should allow the shifter to move freely into neutral even with the ignition off.
| Tool Options |
|---|
| Thin, flat-head screwdriver |
| Allen key |
| Small pry bar |
| Coat hanger (unbent) |
Once the gear lever is in neutral, you can release the tool and replace the cover or cap. The vehicle will now be able to be pushed or towed.
Disengaging the Shifter Cable
If your car’s battery is dead and you need to tow it or push it out of the way, you’ll need to disengage the shifter cable to put the car in neutral. This process varies depending on the make and model of your car. Here’s a general guide:
-
Locate the shifter cable. It’s usually located under the car, near the transmission. It will be a metal cable with a plastic housing.
-
Find the release button. This is usually a small, black button located on the side of the cable housing.
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Press the release button and pull the cable out of the housing. Be careful not to damage the cable.
-
Once the cable is disconnected, you should be able to move the shifter into neutral.
Here’s a table with specific instructions for some common car models:
| Make and Model | Release Button Location |
|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | On the side of the cable housing, near the transmission |
| Honda Accord | On the top of the cable housing, near the shifter |
| Ford Focus | On the side of the cable housing, near the firewall |
If you’re having trouble disengaging the shifter cable, consult your car’s owner’s manual or seek assistance from a mechanic.
Rolling the Car
Rolling the car is the most straightforward method to put it in neutral with a dead battery. However, it requires a slight slope and assistance from another vehicle. Follow these steps:
- Find a Slope: Locate a slight incline that is long enough to provide sufficient momentum.
- Position the Vehicles: Park the other vehicle behind your car, nose-to-tail, and engage its parking brake.
- Connect Vehicles: Use a strong rope or tow strap to connect the two vehicles. Ensure the rope is secure and has no slack.
- Roll the Car: Ask the driver of the assisting vehicle to slowly release the parking brake. This will allow your car to roll forward or backward due to gravity.
- Shift into Neutral: While the car is rolling, press the brake pedal and simultaneously shift the gear lever into neutral. This should disengage the transmission.
- Stop the Car: Once the car is in neutral, fully engage the parking brake to prevent it from rolling further.
Caution:
- Never attempt this method on a steep slope.
- Ensure the rope or tow strap is secure and long enough to avoid any accidents.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid obstacles or pedestrians.
Utilizing the Wheel Lock Override
The wheel lock override is an emergency feature designed to allow you to put your car in neutral even if the battery is dead. However, this feature is not available on all vehicles, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual before attempting this method.
To use the wheel lock override, follow these steps:
- Engage the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition key to the “Lock” position.
- Locate the wheel lock override slot on the side of the steering column. It is usually a small, round hole.
- Insert a screwdriver or other thin tool into the slot and turn it clockwise to release the lock.
- Once the lock is released, you should be able to move the gear shift lever to neutral.
| Vehicle Model | Wheel Lock Override Location |
|---|---|
| 2012 Honda Civic | Lower left side of the steering column |
| 2015 Toyota Camry | Right side of the steering column, behind the shift lever |
| 2018 Ford F-150 | Lower right side of the steering column |
Removing the Center Console
Locate the center console, typically situated between the driver and passenger seats. It may be held in place by screws, bolts, or clips.
Locating the Screws/Bolts
Inspect the perimeter of the center console for visible screws or bolts. Remove these fixings using the appropriate tool, such as a Phillips head screwdriver or socket wrench.
Dealing with Clips
If clips are used to secure the center console, insert a flat-head screwdriver or trim removal tool into the gap between the console and the surrounding trim. Gently pry the clips loose, being careful not to damage the console or trim.
Lifting the Console
Once the fixings are removed, gently lift the center console upwards. It may be necessary to disconnect any wires or cables connected to the console before fully removing it.
Accessing the Gear Shift Lever
With the center console removed, you will have access to the gear shift lever. Check the lever for a small hole or recess, which will allow you to insert a key or other tool to manually shift the car into neutral.
Using a Tool to Shift
Insert the key or tool into the hole or recess on the gear shift lever. Apply pressure and move the lever towards the neutral position. Once the car is in neutral, remove the tool and reinsert the center console.
Possible Reasons for Difficulty Shifting into Neutral
If you encounter difficulty shifting the car into neutral, it may be due to factors such as:
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Parking brake engaged | Disengage the parking brake |
| Steering wheel locked | Turn the steering wheel slightly |
| Gear selector stuck | Wiggle the gear selector or use a flat-head screwdriver to release the locking mechanism |
Accessing the Shifter Mechanism
Step 1: Identify the Shifter Release Button
Locate the shifter release button, typically found near the base of the gear lever. It may be labeled with “Shift Lock” or have a small icon.
Step 2: Press the Release Button
With the brake pedal depressed, press and hold the shifter release button firmly.
Step 3: Pull the Gear Lever to Neutral
While holding the release button, pull the gear lever straight back to the neutral position, usually marked with “N.”
Step 4: Remove the Release Button
Once the gear lever is in neutral, release the shifter release button.
Step 5: Ensure Neutral Position
Verify that the gear lever is firmly in the neutral position by gently moving it forward and backward.
Step 6: Replace the Access Panel
If applicable, replace the access panel on the center console to conceal the shifter mechanism.
Step 7: Advanced Techniques for Complex Systems
| Vehicle Type | Additional Steps |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicles with Shift-by-Wire | Engage the parking brake, then use a tow hook or OBD port to access the shifter mechanism. |
| Hybrid Vehicles with Different Shifter Designs | Consult the vehicle’s manual or online forums for specific instructions and warnings. |
| Vehicles with Electronic Shifters and No Release Button | Contact a mechanic for professional assistance as unauthorized tampering may damage the system. |
Releasing the Shift Lever
**Step 7: Locate the Shift Lock Release Button**
Look for a small button, usually located on the center console or near the gearshift lever. It may be labeled “Shift Lock Release” or have a symbol of a car with a line through the parking symbol.
**Step 8: Insert Manual Override Key**
Some vehicles have a manual override key or tool that can be used to release the shift lever. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine if your car has this feature.
If available, insert the manual override key into the designated slot or hole near the shift lock release button. This will mechanically disengage the shift lock mechanism.
Note: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on releasing the shift lever, as the process may vary slightly depending on the make and model.
| Vehicle Type | Release Method |
|---|---|
| Electronic Shift Lock | Use shift lock release button |
| Mechanical Shift Lock | Use manual override key |
Putting the Car in Neutral Without a Key
If you have a dead battery and need to put your car in neutral, it’s important to know how to do it without a key. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Locate the shift lock release. This is usually a small button or lever located near the gear shift.
- Press and hold the shift lock release.
- Move the gear shift to neutral.
- Release the shift lock release.
Manually Release the Shift Lock
If the shift lock release doesn’t work, you may need to manually release the shift lock. Here’s how:
- Locate the shift lock solenoid. This is usually located under the gear shift.
- Disconnect the shift lock solenoid. This will require removing a bolt or screw.
- Manually move the shift lock to the neutral position.
- Reconnect the shift lock solenoid.
| Shift Lock Solenoid Location | Disconnect Procedure |
|---|---|
| Under the gear shift | Remove a bolt or screw |
| Behind the center console | Remove a panel or trim piece |
| On the side of the transmission | Remove a bolt or bracket |
Safety Precautions
Before attempting to put your car in neutral with a dead battery, it is crucial to take the following safety precautions:
1. Park on a Level Surface
If the ground is not level, your car may roll when shifted into neutral. Choose a flat and stable location.
2. Engage the Parking Brake
Applying the parking brake will prevent your car from moving once it is in neutral.
3. Shift into Park (P)
Even though the battery is dead, shift the gear selector into Park to prevent the car from rolling in case the neutral position is not fully engaged.
4. Turn the Steering Wheel
Slightly turn the steering wheel towards the curb to prevent the car from rolling in case of unintended movement.
5. Use a Steering Wheel Lock
If available, engage a steering wheel lock to enhance safety and prevent the car from being stolen.
6. Disconnect the Battery
If possible, disconnect the battery terminals to prevent any electrical shorts or sparks.
7. Wear Gloves and Eye Protection
Wear gloves and eye protection if you are working under the car or near the battery.
8. Be Aware of Traffic and Obstacles
Be mindful of oncoming traffic and any obstacles around your car when working.
9. Do Not Attempt to Jump-Start
Do not attempt to jump-start your car with a dead battery while it is in neutral. This can damage the electrical system.
10. Call for Assistance
If you are unable to put your car in neutral safely, or if you encounter any difficulties, seek professional assistance from a mechanic or towing service.
How To Put Car In Neutral With Dead Battery
If your car’s battery is dead, you may need to put it in neutral so that it can be towed. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Check the owner’s manual for your specific make and model of car. Some cars have a different procedure for putting the car in neutral with a dead battery.
- Locate the shift lock release. This is usually a small button or lever located near the gear shift. It may be labeled “Shift Lock” or “Neutral Lock.” On some cars, it may be necessary to use a key or screwdriver to release the shift lock.
- Press and hold the shift lock release. While holding the button or lever, move the gear shift to the neutral position.
- Release the shift lock release. The gear shift should now be in the neutral position.
Once the car is in neutral, it can be towed. Be sure to follow the towing instructions in your owner’s manual.
People also ask
How do I know if my car battery is dead?
There are a few signs that your car battery may be dead. These include:
- The car won’t start.
- The headlights are dim or won’t turn on.
- The dashboard lights are dim or won’t turn on.
- The car makes a clicking noise when you try to start it.
What should I do if my car battery is dead?
If your car battery is dead, you can try to jump-start it. To do this, you will need a set of jumper cables and another car with a good battery. Once you have the jumper cables, follow these steps:
- Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery.
- Connect the other end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal on the good battery.
- Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal on the good battery.
- Connect the other end of the black jumper cable to a metal surface on the car with the dead battery.
- Start the car with the good battery.
- Once the car with the dead battery is running, let it run for a few minutes to charge the battery.
- Disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order that you connected them.
How can I prevent my car battery from dying?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your car battery from dying. These include:
- Don’t leave your lights on when the car is off.
- Don’t use your car’s electrical system for extended periods of time when the engine is not running.
- Keep your battery terminals clean and free of corrosion.
- Have your battery tested regularly, especially if it is more than three years old.
