🚨 2001-2006 Chrysler Sebring: Emergency Neutral
The 2001-2006 Sebring uses a traditional mechanical console-mounted shift lever with a physical shift lock solenoid (most models; some early base models may have column shift).
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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.
- Locate the shift lock override access — on console shifters, look for a small rectangular or circular cap on the left side or front-left of the shifter base (driver's side near the shift boot).
- Use a small flathead screwdriver, key, or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert a key, screwdriver, or pen into the revealed slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if you have 12V power) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If you have no power at all, keep the override depressed and apply firm rearward pressure on the shifter to manually disengage the park pawl.
- Once in Neutral, release the override and remove the tool.
- The vehicle can now be pushed or rolled.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap on the left side or front-left of the console shifter base, near the shift boot (driver's side). Column shift models (if equipped) have the override slot accessed by removing the lower column shroud near the shifter gate.
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is mechanical. With zero 12V power, depress the override and use firm manual force to move the shifter out of Park — no electrical power is required for the mechanical override itself. The park pawl will release with sufficient force.