🚨 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 PT Cruiser uses a conventional console-mounted PRNDL shifter with a button on the shifter handle.
🧰 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly applied and the vehicle is on level ground or properly supported.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if possible (this may restore shift interlock function if the battery has minimal charge).
- If the shifter will not release from Park, locate the shift lock override access cover—a small removable plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override access cover.
- Insert a small screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed.
- If loading onto a flatbed, ensure the steering wheel is unlocked (key in ACC position) so the front wheels can pivot during loading.
Shift-lock override location
Small removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the console trim; override slot is directly beneath.
With zero electrical power
With no electrical power, the shift interlock will not disengage normally. You must use the manual shift lock override slot. The ignition key should still turn to ACC to unlock the steering column. If the steering remains locked, the vehicle may need to be dollied or lifted to avoid wheel dragging.