🚨 2009 Dodge Caliber: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Caliber uses a console-mounted PRNDL shifter with electronic shift interlock (CVT and automatic transmissions).
🧰 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 a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override—look for a small rectangular or square slot with a plastic cover on the driver's side of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic cover
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool into the exposed override slot and press down
- While holding the override mechanism down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position
- Remove the tool and verify the shifter remains in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base assembly near the bottom
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the mechanical key will still turn to ACC position. The shift lock override is purely mechanical—no electrical power is required. Simply access the override slot and follow the procedure above.