🚨 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 PT Cruiser uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a shift-lock override release.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position (if battery has any power)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: a small rectangular opening covered by a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base near the shift button
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- The vehicle can now be moved or pushed
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base near the shift button, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift-lock override still functions mechanically. You will not be able to turn the ignition to ON, but the override slot allows manual release of the shifter lock. Simply access the override slot and follow the same procedure - the mechanical release does not require electrical power.