🚨 2012 Chrysler Town & Country: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Town & Country has a traditional PRNDL console-mounted shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small covered slot on the upper left side of the shifter base, near where the shifter meets the console.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter out of Park.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the upper left side of the shifter base, near the shifter stem mounting point
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, the override slot is mechanical and does not require electrical power. However, you will not be able to turn the ignition to release the steering lock. Ensure the steering wheel is straight and be prepared for heavier steering when moving the vehicle. The override slot bypass works independently of battery power.