GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2009 🢒 LaCrosse 🢒 Service and Appearance Care 🢒 Checking Things Under the Hood 🢒 Shifting Out of Park

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock

The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. The shift lock release is designed to:

    • Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in P (Park)
    • Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal is applied.

The shift lock is always functional except in the case of a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.

If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting.

Console Shift

If the console shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park):

  1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
  2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions for more information.
  3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is pushed all the way into P (Park).
  4. Press the shift lever button
  5. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.

If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service.

Column Shift

If the column shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park):

  1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
  2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions for more information.
  3. Shift out of the P (Park) position to the N (Neutral) position.
  4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.

If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing service.