🚨 2000 Chrysler Cirrus: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Chrysler Cirrus uses a traditional console-mounted floor shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly set and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the key blade to pry off the small plastic cover cap
- Insert a small screwdriver, pen, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the shifter still won't move, continue holding the override down and apply additional downward pressure on the shifter button while moving to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, small rectangular slot covered by a plastic cap approximately 1 inch from the shifter button
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: The shift-lock override is mechanical and does NOT require electrical power. Access the override slot as described and press firmly while moving the shifter. You may need to manually turn the ignition key to release the steering lock to allow the vehicle to roll. The shifter mechanism itself is cable-operated and will function without power once the shift lock is bypassed.