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How can I put my car in neutral with a dead battery?

My car has had a dead battery for weeks. I need to move it off my lawn into the garage to store it for winter. How can I put my car in neutral so I can move it?

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Melanie Krieps Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Dead batteries happen to the best of us! Here’s how you can put your car in neutral to push it out of the way:
  • Apply the parking brakes.
  • Turn on the ignition. Even though the battery is dead, this will help unlock the steering wheel.
  • Press on the brake. Since the car can’t turn on, you will need to press down hard on the brake.
  • Shift the car into neutral.
  • If you still can’t shift gears, you will need to override the shift lock. Find a small panel next to the shifter. Use a flathead screwdriver to lift the panel and engage the override.
  • Now, a friend can help push the car into the garage.
Once your car is stored, make sure to remove the dead battery. You don’t want it to become corroded over the winter.
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