🚨 1992 Chrysler Imperial: Emergency Neutral
The 1992 Imperial features a column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift interlock system linked 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 ACC or ON if battery power is present.
- 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 on the column shroud.
- Look for a small plastic cover on the left side of the steering column shroud, near the shifter lever.
- Remove the cover and insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot.
- Depress the release mechanism while moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cover on the left side of the steering column shroud, adjacent to 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 energize, but a mechanical lock 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 press the release tab while moving the shifter to Neutral. The steering lock will remain engaged unless the key can turn to ACC.