2008 Chevy Equinox. No power at all. I need to shift the car from Park to Neutral, and therefore override the shifter. How do I do this. I can not see the button to do this...is there one? Thanks.

Probably the transmission internal mode switch . But , without hooking up a scan tool an checking for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes an checking input data from the switch to the TCM - transmission control module i'd only be guessing . You don't want to waste money just replacing part's . Have a qualified repair shop check it out. Need factory service info an professional type scan tool .

Circuit/System Description
The transmission manual shift shaft switch assembly, also known as the Internal Mode Switch (IMS), is a sliding contact switch attached to the manual shift shaft inside the transmission case. The Park/Neutral Position (PNP) Switch is integrated into the IMS and connects to the Transmission Control Module (TCM) lead-frame through a short wire harness. The 5 inputs to the TCM from the transmission manual shift shaft switch assembly indicate the transmission gear selector lever position. This information is used for engine start enable, engine controls as well as determining the transmission shift patterns. The state of each input is available for display on the scan tool. The five input parameters represented are Signal A, Signal B, Signal C, Signal P (Parity), and Signal N (Park/Neutral Start Signal). Park/Neutral Signal is sent from the Park/Neutral switch directly to the Engine Control Module (ECM) and is used for engine start enable. The Park/Neutral Signal circuit is not connected to the TCM internally. The circuit uses the TCM as a pass-through connector only. The ECM Park/Neutral diagnostic monitors the Park/Neutral signal circuit to detect low voltage when the ECM expects high voltage and high voltage when the ECM expects low voltage.

DTC P1825: Internal Mode Switch - Invalid Range
DTC P182E: Internal Mode Switch - Invalid Range
DTC P1915: Internal Mode Switch Start/Wrong Range

Most vehicles have a small rectangular hole near the base of shifter for override. Sometime you need to flip up the little cover on it. Insert key into that hole and press shifter button and change gear. If the vehicle is not starting, try starting in neutral. Also, turn steering wheel and make sure brake is pressed while trying to start or change gears.

As Steve said the brake light switch or the release solenoid itself at the shifter assembly .

brake lights light up? check fuses first. the brake switch on the pedal sends voltage to the shift lock. if you dont have brake lights then change the brake switch. if you have brake lights then you need to check for power at the shifter lock actuator with a test light. im not sure about the aztek but some models have a spot to unlock the shifter in case you have a dead battery and need to be towed. you may have to remove a cover to get to the override, put shifter in neutral then start the car.

column or floor shifter ?
Brake Shift Interlock Actuator - Floor Shift Removal and Installation
NOTE: The brake shift interlock actuator is not serviced individually. If replacement is required, install a new floor shift selector lever assembly.
For additional information, refer to Selector Lever - Floor Shift in this section.
Brake Shift Interlock Actuator - Column Shift Removal and Installation

1. Set the parking brake.

1. Remove the steering column shrouds.

1. Turn the ignition to the accessory position and apply the brake or actuate the brake shift interlock actuator (BSIA) override.

1. Put the selector lever into the NEUTRAL position.

1. Disconnect the BSIA electrical connector.

1. Remove the BSIA screw.

1. Gently pry the clip up and remove the BSIA.

1. NOTE: During installation, verify that the BSIA override has been activated and the slider is fully rearward. Before rotating the selector lever from NEUTRAL into PARK, align the selector lever tab into the BSIA. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

NOTE: There are multiple NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls that cover this specific vehicle and year range.

Call your dealer first thing in the morning as this is covered under a mandatory VW safety recall.

Just to get it going - check to see if your brake lights function. If not, then it is your brake light switch. Otherwise, your shifter interlock. You "might" be able to over ride by turning your key to the first detent, shift out of park into neutral and then start (but not guaranteed). If not, then it must be towed

Call your dealer though - these safety issues must be addressed:

1999 Volkswagen New Beetle Recalls Cars com

Sound like a problem with the Neutral Ssafety Switch, this is located on top transmission (generally) and its possible that need some adjust.

first thing I check is if the brake lights work.

a trick that works on some cars is turn the key to one notch before "run", shift into neutral and start. then take it to the dealer, it's under warranty, right?

Either brake switch or park/neutral safety switch is bad.

it sounds like your gearshift cable is broken..if you can jack up vehicle and support it safely,get someone to move shifter and look on driver's side of transmission and see if linkage is moving on trans..linkage is up near top of trans..i have seen this problem before