🚨 1990 Chrysler Imperial: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 Imperial uses a column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift interlock system tied to the brake-light switch.
✓ 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
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the column shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not release, locate the shift lock override access near the shifter on the column shroud.
- Look for a small plastic cover or cap on the left side of the steering column shroud, just below or adjacent to the shifter lever.
- Remove the cover and insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot.
- Press the release mechanism inward while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small cover on the left side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shifter lever; typically a small rectangular or oval access point.
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, the shift interlock solenoid will not activate, but a mechanical detent may still hold the shifter in Park. Use the shift lock override: remove the access cover on the column shroud near the shifter, insert a screwdriver into the slot, and depress the release tab while moving the shifter to Neutral. The steering lock will remain engaged unless the key can turn to ACC.