🚨 1996 Chrysler Concorde: Emergency Neutral
The 1996 Concorde uses a column-mounted automatic shifter with a mechanical shift interlock linked to the brake pedal switch.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly set
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (not START) to unlock the steering column
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening on the left side of the column shroud near the base of the shifter lever
- Remove the small plastic cover over the override slot if present
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the brake pedal has no resistance or doesn't help, continue holding the override while moving the shifter
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or towed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the steering column shroud near the shifter base, usually covered by a removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot unlock the steering column. You may need to jump-start the vehicle just enough to turn the key to ACC position to unlock the column and access the shift interlock override. If this is not possible, the vehicle must be placed on dollies or a flatbed with the front wheels off the ground and the steering locked straight.