🚨 1990 Chrysler New Yorker: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 New Yorker uses a column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override access—look for a small slot or removable cover on the steering column shroud near the shifter lever, typically on the right side
- Remove any plastic cover by prying gently with a small flat screwdriver
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or the ignition key into the override slot and push down or pull up (depending on mechanism) to release the lock
- While holding the override, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the steering wheel is locked with no power, turn the key in the ignition while gently rocking the steering wheel to unlock the column
Shift-lock override location
Near the shifter lever on the steering column shroud, typically on the right side; exact location may require inspection of the column near the shifter
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. The steering column lock may be engaged—turn the key while gently moving the steering wheel to release it. Some 1990 models may have a purely mechanical interlock that can be bypassed with the override slot; the mechanism does not require electrical power.