🚨 2024 Chrysler Pacifica: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Pacifica Hybrid uses a monostable electronic shifter (returns to center position after each selection) mounted on the console.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and apply the parking brake firmly
- If the battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON/RUN (do not start)
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, beneath a small rectangular cover cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the override cover cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral by pushing it upward once (the center detent position)
- If successful, the gear indicator will show 'N' on the instrument cluster
- Release the override tool and confirm neutral engagement before attempting to move the vehicle
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, under a small rectangular cover cap directly adjacent to the shifter stem
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter will not function even with the override. You must jump-start the 12V battery (located under the second-row floor) to provide minimal power to the shifter module, then use the override procedure. The hybrid high-voltage system does not need to be active, only the 12V accessory power.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: This is a plug-in hybrid with a high-voltage battery system. If the hybrid system is inoperative or the vehicle shows hybrid system warnings, the transmission may not mechanically release even in neutral. Pacifica Hybrids use an electrically-shifted transmission variant that requires some electronic function. For towing, the vehicle MUST be flatbedded with all four wheels off the ground - dollies are not sufficient. Do not attempt to flat-tow under any circumstances as the electric drive components will be damaged.