🚨 2017 Chrysler 200: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Chrysler 200 uses an electronic rotary dial shifter (e-shifter) mounted on the center console - there is no mechanical linkage.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Set the parking brake firmly
- Locate the shift lock override access - it is a small covered slot in the center console trim, typically forward and to the left of the rotary shifter dial base
- Remove the small plastic cover cap from the override slot
- With the ignition in ACC or ON position (requires 12V power), insert a small tool into the override slot and press the release mechanism
- Rotate the dial to Neutral position while holding the override
- If successful, the transmission will shift to Neutral and the indicator will show N
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot in the console trim forward and to the left of the rotary dial base - exact location varies slightly by trim level but is within 2-3 inches of the dial
With zero electrical power
CRITICAL: The rotary e-shifter is fully electronic with no direct mechanical linkage. With zero 12V power, the shift lock override will NOT function - the transmission control module must have power to release the park pawl. If the battery is completely dead, you must either jump-start the 12V system or manually release the park pawl at the transmission itself (requires raising vehicle, accessing transmission from underneath, and locating the manual park release lever near the transmission case - this is a last-resort dealer/professional procedure).