🚨 2012 Chrysler 300: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Chrysler 300 uses an electronic rotary dial gear selector on most trims, with console lever on base/fleet models.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and parking brake is engaged
- FOR ROTARY DIAL (most common): The rotary dial shifter is fully electronic and REQUIRES 12V power to operate
- If you have rotary dial and dead battery, you must jump-start the vehicle or provide external 12V power to shift gears
- Once power is restored, turn ignition to ON, press brake pedal, and rotate dial to Neutral
- FOR CONSOLE LEVER (base/fleet models): Turn ignition to ACC or ON if battery has any charge
- FOR CONSOLE LEVER: Locate shift lock override slot on the left side of shifter base, remove small plastic cover
- Insert screwdriver or key into override slot, press down firmly while moving shifter to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Rotary dial models: no mechanical override exists. Console lever models: left side of shifter base under small plastic cover
With zero electrical power
ROTARY DIAL (majority of 300s): Absolutely requires 12V power to shift - no mechanical bypass exists. With completely dead battery, you must jump-start from another vehicle or use a jump pack to provide enough power to shift to Neutral. Once in Neutral with dead battery, steering will be locked. CONSOLE LEVER (base trims): Mechanical override works without power but steering remains locked.