Changing to neutral with dead battery

[DMcKinney]

2024 GMC Denali, just stopped on the highway. Called a wrecker, no way to get the car in neutral because of dead battery!  How do you get the truck in neutral with dead battery, no battery boosters worked. 

[kickass audio]

There really isn't a way unless you unbolt the driveshaft but you need to watch for any fluid leaking out of the tailhousing or transfer case. You will need a flatbed or even better a normal tow truck with a set of dollies to put the wheels off the ground and tow it in the shop.

 

What's even worse is the 1500's like mine that have a single speed transfer case. You can't put the transfer case in neutral and you can't shift the truck out of park without the engine running plus if the engine is running and you put it in neutral, if you step out it will throw the truck in park and it also will lock the parking brake on too. So at least if I can get the engine running on mine you can stay seated and buckled up, put it in neutral and have someone else push you.

[tbarn]

Can you no longer just disconnect the shift cable at the transmission and manually shift to neutral?

[mjm-1957]

Trans needs line pressure from a running engine to get out of park now.There is a tool that goes on the manual shift shaft and allows you to get it out of park. Even when it is in neutral the Ebrake is applied. What a pain in the ass. Need GDS and battery power to command the Ebrakes off so it will roll.Tow truck guys are destroying these trucks when they tow them in. Dragging them on and off the flat beds.Another great idea from GM.

[Pryme]

Please keep us posted on what happened when you find out. 

[GMCustomerService]

11 hours ago, DMcKinney said:

2024 GMC Denali, just stopped on the highway. Called a wrecker, no way to get the car in neutral because of dead battery!  How do you get the truck in neutral with dead battery, no battery boosters worked. 

This is certainly not something we like to hear, DMcKinney. With safety being an utmost priority, we understand your displeasure with this situation. So we may learn more about your recent experience, please send us an email to [email protected] with ATTN: DMcKinney/GM Trucks in the subject line.

Please include your contact information, VIN, a brief description of your concern, and the name of your preferred dealership. We look forward to hearing from you. To learn more about GM’s Privacy Policy, please visit https://www.gm.com/privacy-statement.html. The information you provide may be monitored and recorded and is subject to the GM Privacy Statement.
 
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[Niklasbraun]

As far as I know, right under the steering column, there's a small access panel. Behind it, you'll spot a manual release lever for the shift lock mechanism. By using this lever, be able to shift your ride into neutral manually.

[GMCustomerService]

On 3/17/2024 at 10:11 PM, DMcKinney said:

2024 GMC Denali, just stopped on the highway. Called a wrecker, no way to get the car in neutral because of dead battery!  How do you get the truck in neutral with dead battery, no battery boosters worked. 

We hope all is well, DMcKinney. As previously mentioned, our team would like the opportunity to look into this matter on our end. To do so, please send us an email to [email protected] with ATTN: DMcKinney/GM Trucks in the subject line.

 

Please include your contact information, VIN, a brief description of your concern, and the name of your preferred dealership. We look forward to hearing from you. To learn more about GM’s Privacy Policy, please visit https://www.gm.com/privacy-statement.html. The information you provide may be monitored and recorded and is subject to the GM Privacy Statement.
 
Privacy Statement | General Motors
Your privacy is important to General Motors. This Privacy Statement addresses the personal information GM collects and how GM handles that personal information.
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[GMCustomerService]

On 3/17/2024 at 10:11 PM, DMcKinney said:

2024 GMC Denali, just stopped on the highway. Called a wrecker, no way to get the car in neutral because of dead battery!  How do you get the truck in neutral with dead battery, no battery boosters worked. 

Hello, DMcKinney. Please know our team is only an email away if you are ever in need of assistance. Thank you and have a great day.

[Brent Wylie]

I just got my 2023 Yukon Denali back from the dealer after getting a new engine due to another issue after less than 25k miles.  After a week, it won't start due to an "Engine and Transmission System" issue with a sub item of "Engine Electrical System, including the Charging and Starting System".  Due to my inclined drive way, a tow truck cannot get to my vehicle without tearing up my drive way as well as requesting to drag the vehicle out of my garage.   I need to be able to get it in neutral without any other damage to my property OR my dang near new Yukon.  Any suggestions would be greatly be appreciated.

Edited November 30, 2024 by Brent Wylie

[newdude]

1 hour ago, Brent Wylie said:

I just got my 2023 Yukon Denali back from the dealer after getting a new engine due to another issue after less than 25k miles.  After a week, it won't start due to an "Engine and Transmission System" issue with a sub item of "Engine Electrical System, including the Charging and Starting System".  Due to my inclined drive way, a tow truck cannot get to my vehicle without tearing up my drive way as well as requesting to drag the vehicle out of my garage.   I need to be able to get it in neutral without any other damage to my property OR my dang near new Yukon.  Any suggestions would be greatly be appreciated.

 

 

You have a 1500 truck with electric shift controls.  This thread is in the HD section and those still use a shift cable.

 

On yours, a special tool that only the dealers will have.  Engine must be running to take it out of park.  

 

Tow truck will have to find a way to 4 wheel dolly it.  

Edited November 30, 2024 by newdude

[redwngr]

On 11/29/2024 at 8:11 PM, Brent Wylie said:

I just got my 2023 Yukon Denali back from the dealer after getting a new engine due to another issue after less than 25k miles.  After a week, it won't start due to an "Engine and Transmission System" issue with a sub item of "Engine Electrical System, including the Charging and Starting System".  Due to my inclined drive way, a tow truck cannot get to my vehicle without tearing up my drive way as well as requesting to drag the vehicle out of my garage.   I need to be able to get it in neutral without any other damage to my property OR my dang near new Yukon.  Any suggestions would be greatly be appreciated.

If they aren't using wheel dollies / tire skates they will also want to get the parking brake released