How to shift a push button ignition car when battery

If you drive a modern car with keyless push button ignition, you know that it can be a real convenience. However, if your battery dies, you may be left wondering how to shift into gear without a functioning electrical system. Don’t panic, there are simple steps you can take to get your car moving.

First, it’s important to understand that your car’s transmission is controlled electronically, which means it won’t work when the battery is completely dead. However, there is a work-around that involves using the key fob or a physical key to gain access to the car’s electrical system. Once you are able to connect the electrical system, you can put the car in gear and get it to a service center for a new battery.

In this article, we will outline the steps you can take to shift a push button ignition car when the battery is dead. This knowledge can save you time, money, and frustration in the event that your car battery suddenly dies. So, let’s get started!

How to Shift a Push Button Ignition Car When Battery is Dead

1. Activate the Manual Shift Override

Many push button ignition cars have a manual shift override feature built into them. This allows you to shift the car out of park and into gear without power from the battery. To activate the manual override, locate the small lever or slot next to the shift lever and push or insert a key into it. This will release the shift lever and allow you to manually shift the car.

2. Use a Portable Jump Starter

If your car’s battery is dead, you can use a portable jump starter to provide power to your car’s electrical system. These devices are small enough to be kept in your glove box and can jump start your car without the need for another vehicle. Simply connect the jump starter to your battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions and turn the ignition switch on to start the car.

3. Call for Assistance

If neither of the above options work, it may be time to call for assistance. Contact a towing or roadside assistance service to have your car shifted into neutral and towed to a repair facility. Attempting to force the car into gear without power from the battery can cause damage to the transmission and other components, and should be avoided.

• Remember, safety should always be your top priority when attempting to shift a push button ignition car with a dead battery. Never attempt to force the car into gear or manipulate the shift lever in any way that could cause damage to your car or injure you or others.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for manually shifting your car and using a portable jump starter, if available. If unsure, consult your car’s owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Step 1: Locate the Shift Lock Override

What is Shift Lock Override?

Shift lock override is a safety feature in modern cars that prevents the engine from starting unless the gear shifter is in the “Park” position. However, in cases of dead batteries or faulty electrical systems, you may not be able to get the car started even if the shifter is properly aligned with the “Park” position. To get around this problem, you can use the shift lock override mechanism to manually shift gears to get your car moving.

Where to find the Shift Lock Override?

The location of the shift lock override mechanism varies depending on the make and model of the car. In most cases, it is located close to the gear shifter, behind a small cover or plug on the console. Look for a small button or lever that is marked with the words “Shift lock override” or “Shift release.” If you can’t find it, check the owner’s manual or look online for information specific to your car.

How to Use Shift Lock Override?

Once you locate the shift lock override mechanism, you’ll need to use a small object, such as a screwdriver or pen, to press the button or lever. You may need to apply some force and hold it down while you shift gears. For some cars, you might need to remove the cover or plug that conceals the shift lock override mechanism before you can access it. Once you activate the mechanism, you should be able to shift gears manually, allowing you to move your car even with a dead battery or other electrical issues.

Step 2: Insert snipe or key into shift lock override

When the battery is dead, you won’t be able to shift the car out of park. In this case, you need to use the shift lock override to shift the car into neutral or another gear. To do this, you need to insert a snipe or key into the shift lock override.

The shift lock override is a small hole located near the gear shift lever. You need to remove the cover of the shift lock override to reveal the hole. Once you see the hole, insert the snipe or key into it.

When you insert the snipe or key into the shift lock override, you should feel resistance. Apply pressure and turn the snipe or key counterclockwise until it clicks. This will release the gear shift lever and allow you to shift the car into neutral or another gear.