🚨 2009 Dodge Challenger: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Challenger (LC platform) uses a floor-mounted console 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground or securely chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override - there is a small removable plastic cap on the console to the left side of the shifter base.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override slot.
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if power available) and pressing the shifter button, then move the shifter to Neutral.
- If working without power, maintain downward pressure on the override while pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, remove the tool, replace the cap, and verify the shifter remains in Neutral before moving the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base on the center console; the override slot is underneath this cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, the ignition cannot release the shift lock electrically. Use the mechanical shift lock override under the cap to the left of the shifter base. Press down in the override slot while pressing the shifter button and moving to Neutral. This mechanically releases the shift lock pawl without requiring electrical power.