🚨 2000 Chrysler Town & Country: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Town & Country uses a traditional column-mounted shift lever with a button on the lever end for gear selection.
✓ 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 parking brake is fully engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shift lever
- Remove the small rubber cap or plastic cover over the override slot
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or the key itself into the override slot
- While pressing the screwdriver down into the slot to release the shift lock, press the button on the shift lever and move it to Neutral
- If successful, the vehicle can now roll freely—ensure it is secured before releasing brakes
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the steering column shroud near the shift lever base, covered by a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override mechanism is mechanical and will still function. You may need a flashlight to locate the override slot. The key does not need to turn if the battery is dead—just use the override release.