🚨 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 PT Cruiser uses a traditional mechanical console-mounted shift lever with a physical shift lock solenoid.
✓ 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 a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Remove the small shift lock override cover located on the right side of the shifter base — it is a small rectangular or circular cap that can be pried off with a fingernail or small flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a key, small screwdriver, or pen into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if you have any 12V power) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If you have no brake pedal resistance or no power at all, keep the override depressed and firmly pull the shifter toward you while moving it out of Park — you may need moderate force.
- Once in Neutral, release the override and remove the tool.
- The vehicle can now be pushed or rolled.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular or circular cap on the right side of the shifter base (passenger side), directly adjacent to the shifter boot.
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is fully mechanical on the PT Cruiser. With zero 12V power, depress the override and apply firm manual force to move the shifter out of Park — no electrical power is required for the override itself to function. The park pawl release is purely mechanical.