🚨 2004 Chrysler Concorde: Emergency Neutral
The 2004 Concorde (final year) uses a traditional column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift lock that prevents moving out of Park without the brake pedal depressed.
🧰 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 power is available
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the steering column shroud, directly below and to the right of the shifter lever
- Remove the small plastic cover cap over the override slot (it may snap off or pry gently with a flat screwdriver)
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press firmly downward
- While holding the override tool down, move the shifter down through the gear range to Neutral
- Remove the tool and verify the vehicle is in Neutral before releasing the parking brake
Shift-lock override location
On the steering column shroud directly below and slightly to the right of the shifter lever, behind a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, the ignition lock will prevent key rotation. You must still access the shift lock override as described, but you may need to manually turn the steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure on the steering lock before the key will turn to ACC. The mechanical shift lock override works without electrical power.