To put a car in neutral without starting it, press the footbrake and locate the small button marked “Unlock” or “Lock” near the lever. Press the button and move the selector lever into neutral.
Step 1: Engaging The Shift Lock Release Button
When it comes to putting your car in neutral without starting it, the first step is to engage the shift lock release button. This button is usually located near the lever on the console of your car. Here’s how you can do it:
Put Your Foot On The Footbrake
Before you can engage the shift lock release button, make sure to put your foot on the footbrake. This ensures that the car is stable and prevents any potential accidents. The footbrake is located on the left side of the driver’s floor. Apply steady pressure to the footbrake to hold the car in place.
Locate The Shift Lock Release Button Near The Lever
Next, locate the shift lock release button near the lever. This button is usually marked with “Unlock” or “Lock” and is positioned within easy reach of the driver. The exact location may vary depending on the make and model of your car, so take a moment to find it before proceeding.
Press The Small Button Marked “unlock” Or “lock”
Once you have located the shift lock release button, press it. This action disengages the shift lock mechanism, allowing you to move the selector lever into neutral. The button may be small, so use your finger or thumb to apply gentle pressure until you feel it click.
By engaging the shift lock release button, you have successfully completed the first step in putting your car in neutral without starting it. Now, you can move on to the next steps to safely maneuver your vehicle.
Step 2: Moving The Selector Lever Into Neutral
To put a car in neutral without starting it, put your foot on the foot brake and press the small “Unlock” or “Lock” button located near the selector lever. Once pressed, you can move the lever into a neutral position. This can also be done by putting your foot on the foot brake and directly moving the selector lever into neutral.
After putting your foot on the footbrake and ensuring the car is in accessory mode, it’s time to move the selector lever into neutral. This step is essential if you want to put your car in neutral without starting it.
To move the selector lever into neutral, follow these simple steps:
1. Locate the small button marked “Unlock” or “Lock” on the console near the lever.
2. Press the button to unlock the lever.
3. With your foot still on the footbrake, move the selector lever into the neutral position.
It’s important to note that the exact location of the unlock or lock button may vary depending on the car’s make and model. However, it is generally found on the console near the selector lever.
This straightforward process allows you to disengage the transmission and put the car in neutral without starting the engine. Once the selector lever is in neutral, you can safely move the vehicle without the engine running.
Putting your car in neutral can be useful in various situations, such as when you need to tow your car or when your battery is dead and you need to push the vehicle. Just remember to always exercise caution and follow proper safety procedures whenever you handle a vehicle, even when it’s in neutral.
So, the next time you find yourself needing to put your car in neutral without starting it, follow these simple steps to move the selector lever into neutral, ensuring safety and convenience.
Step 3: Alternative Method – Accessory Mode
To put a car in neutral without starting it, you can press the small “Unlock” or “Lock” button near the gear lever, then move the selector lever to neutral. Another method is to press the start button twice without pressing the brake while the car is in accessory mode.
Another way to put a car in neutral without starting it is by using the accessory mode. This method can be helpful in situations where the battery is dead or there is no power to the vehicle. Follow the steps below to put your car in neutral using the accessory mode:
Press The Starter Button Twice Without Pressing The Brake
The first step in this method is to press the starter button twice without pressing the brake. This will activate the accessory mode in your vehicle. Accessory mode provides full power to your car’s electrical components, allowing you to shift gears without starting the engine.
The Car Will Enter Accessory Mode, Providing Full Power
Once you have pressed the starter button twice without pressing the brake, your car will enter accessory mode. In this mode, all the electrical systems in your car will receive power, including the lights, radio, and other accessories. This ensures that you have enough power to shift your car into neutral without starting the engine.
Move The Selector Lever Into Neutral
After your car has entered accessory mode, you can proceed to move the selector lever into neutral. The selector lever is usually located near the center console of the car. Ensure that you move the lever into the neutral position carefully, making sure it is fully engaged before releasing it.
By following these simple steps, you can safely put your car in neutral without starting the engine. This method can be particularly useful in situations where you need to move your car without having access to a live battery or power source.
Step 4: Shifting With A Dead Battery
To put a car in neutral without starting it, first, put your foot on the footbrake and press a small button marked “Unlock” or “Lock” on the console near the lever. Then, move the selector lever into neutral. Another option is to put your foot on the footbrake and just move the selector lever into neutral.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to put your car in neutral without starting it due to a dead battery, don’t worry. There is a way to do it. Follow these simple steps:
Apply The Parking Brakes
The first thing you need to do is apply the parking brakes. This will prevent your car from rolling while you shift it into neutral.
Turn On The Ignition
Next, turn on the ignition. While the engine won’t start due to the dead battery, turning on the ignition will supply power to the electrical system of your car.
Press The Brake Pedal
Now, press the brake pedal firmly. This is important for safely shifting the car into neutral.
Shift The Car Into Neutral
With the brake pedal pressed, shift the car into neutral. Refer to your car’s manual if you are unsure of the exact steps to do this.
If you have followed these steps and still can’t shift gears, try the following additional steps:
- Make sure the car is in accessory mode. You can do this by pressing the starter button twice without pressing the brake pedal.
- If the gear still won’t shift, hold the brake release tab while depressing the brake and move the shift lever into neutral.
By following these steps, you can safely put your car in neutral without starting it, even with a dead battery. Remember to always exercise caution and refer to your car’s manual for specific instructions.
Step 5: Using The Shift Lock Release Tab
To put a car in neutral without starting it, simply apply the footbrake, press the small button marked “Unlock” or “Lock” near the lever, and then move the selector lever into neutral. Another option is to put your foot on the footbrake and move the selector lever into neutral.
When faced with a dead battery and the need to put your car in neutral, using the shift lock release tab can be a lifesaver. This method allows you to move your vehicle without having to start the engine. Here’s how you can use the shift lock release tab:
Hold The Brake Release Tab While Depressing The Brake Pedal
The first step is to hold the brake release tab while depressing the brake pedal. The brake release tab is usually located near the shift lever on the console of your car. By simultaneously holding the tab and depressing the brake pedal, you will release the shift lock mechanism that prevents the lever from moving freely.
Move The Shift Lever Into Neutral
Once you have successfully released the shift lock mechanism, you can now move the shift lever into the neutral position. This can be done by gently shifting the lever without applying excessive force. Be sure to move it all the way into neutral to ensure that the car is completely disengaged from any gears.
By following these steps, you can now put your car in neutral without starting it, even if you have a dead battery. This can be useful in situations where you need to tow your car or move it in a confined space. Remember to always exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when handling your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions On How Can You Put A Car In Neutral Without Starting It
How Do You Get Your Car In Neutral When It Won’t Start?
To put your car in neutral when it won’t start, first, put your foot on the footbrake. Then, press the small button marked “Unlock” or “Lock” near the lever. Finally, move the selector lever into neutral.
How Do You Move A Car That Doesn’t Run?
To move a car that doesn’t run, you have a few options. You can call a tow truck, use a trailer with a winch, use a come-along, or jack up the car and place dollies under each wheel to push it on a hard, flat surface.
Do You Always Start A Car In Neutral?
No, it is not necessary to always start a car in neutral. However, if you need to put your car into neutral without starting it, you can do so by pressing the brake and using the shift lever or a shift lock release button.
Starting a car in neutral is advisable, especially in automatic cars.
Can You Push A Car In Neutral Alone?
No, it is not advisable to push a car in neutral alone. It is recommended to have at least two people for this task.
Conclusion
To put a car in neutral without starting it, follow these steps: put your foot on the footbrake, press the “Unlock” or “Lock” button near the lever, and move the selector lever into neutral. Alternatively, hold the brake release tab while depressing the brake and shift the lever into neutral.
Remember to apply the parking brakes for safety. Whether you have a dead battery or a vehicle that doesn’t run, these methods can help you move your car. Always ensure you have assistance or the proper equipment when pushing a car.
