OK, this sounds like dumbest of dumb questions, but is it possible to put the automatic transmission into neutral with the engine off?? Owners manual says it will shift with 'engine running' or 'ignition on'.

It is close to -20 degrees F here and I wanted to push the car into the garage to swap the dead battery. I inserted the key, and held it in, but no luck in putting the transmission into neutral. I tried a couple different times, but no joy. Perhaps something is frozen up? This should be a lot easier.

2007 MCS with automatic transmission

 

you should beable to shift it to neutral if the key is in ignition is on and your foot is on the brake. if that doesnt work then pull the shift boot off and you will see a yellow loop. pull up on the loop with something like a pick or a pliers and you should be able to put it in neutral

 

I believe that there is a physical override underneath the collar.

 

Insert fob
Push start button with foot *off* of the brake
Shift into neutral

 

Thanks, that worked. I had to push the brake really hard in this cold to release the shifter.

 

It might not go to neutral because your battery is dead. Hook some jumper to your new battery and to your car like you were going to jump it. Now try to put it in neutral. The car needs powerto go to neutral.

 

He said he has a dead battery.