I've already taken the battery out of out Panel for the winter and today I was going to remove the shifter knob as I'm going to have it re-wrapped in 2-tone leather along with the steering wheel but...with the battery out I can't get the shifter to release from the park position. Is there anyway to move the shifter back into the neutral position without having to re-install the battery?

 

You could get a battery minder/charger. One of those 9-volt things with a cig plug would work. There are a couple of threads on how to open the tailgate with no battery, that is the same sort of thing.

You are remembering the brake pedal part of the interlock?

 

Ignition switch to on, brake pedal depressed, shifter button compressed.

 

I put a rag over the tailgate latch for ease of opening come spring, I was thinking if I actually need electrical power to move the shifter I'll just use jumpers from the cruiser.

Did all that, but it seems that without electrical power to the system the shifter won't unlock and I guess it needs to be in neutral to get the handle removed...I just thought there might be a easier way of doing it rather than putting jumpers to it or putting the battery back in.

Oh Well...I just wish I'd have went after the shifter handle FIRST...

 

I looked it up and tested in my HHR , the shifter safety release switch does require current , probably why it's called a switch!
I have had my old shifter apart more times then I care to remember, it sucks but it's a safety thing!

 

I was afraid of that...At least I got plenty of time to get it done.

 

If I had my old shifter I'd UPS you the knob and chrome piece, but it was that extended service thing and they tossed the old one !
I can let you know how to rig a custom shifter and knob

Like this

 

Did they invent a solenoid that doesn't use electricity while I was napping?