🚨 1991 Chrysler Imperial: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 Imperial has a column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift interlock system controlled by 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 ACC or ON if the battery has any charge.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the column shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the shifter remains locked, locate the shift lock override access on the steering column shroud.
- Remove the small plastic cover on the left side of the column shroud near the shifter lever (usually a small rectangular or oval cap).
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot.
- Press the release mechanism inward while moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cover on the left side of the steering column shroud, adjacent to the shifter lever base; typically a small rectangular or oval access point.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift interlock solenoid will not function, but a mechanical detent may still lock the shifter. Use the shift lock override: remove the access cover near the shifter on the column shroud, insert a screwdriver, and depress the release mechanism while moving the shifter to Neutral. The steering will remain locked unless the key can turn to ACC.