🚨 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger: Emergency Neutral
The 2008-2014 Dodge Avenger uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with an electronic shift interlock system connected to the brake-light switch.
🧰 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 set
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge)
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter assembly near the base—it's a small rectangular slot covered by a removable plastic cap
- Pry off the plastic cap with a small flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver, ignition key, or similar tool into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pulling the shifter release button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If you have any electrical power, press the brake pedal while performing the above step
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, covered by a removable plastic cap approximately 1 inch long
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the override slot will mechanically release the shift lock solenoid. You do not need electrical power to use the override. However, if the steering column lock is engaged and the key won't turn, you may need to slightly rock the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key to the ACC position. The override bypasses the shift lock but you still need to pull the shifter button.