On my 5AT next to the shifter **** theirs a button Shift Lock. What does this do?

 

I dont' think its a button... its a little plastic cover for an access hole to the shift lock release.

It can be used to put the car into neutral without the key (if you are getting towed)

Or can be used to change gears if there is a problem with the shift lock solenoid or some other system preventing you from shifting otherwise.

In my old car (Acura CL) I had a fuse go out that controlled the rear brake lights. When the fuse went out, I also lost the ability to put the car into drive/reverse/netural etc. I guess it was a safety feature to let you know something pretty bad was wrong.

I had to use the shift lock release in order to drive to the dealer to get it checked out.

 

Gotcha thanx a lot man.

 

i always wondered what those damn things were!

 

Yes exactly, it will allow you to put the car into neutral...

the little tab pops out, and you can put a flat straight object into it to put the car into N...