🚨 2013 Dodge Challenger: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 Challenger uses a center console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock and a mechanical override release.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge (this may allow normal shift-lock release via brake pedal).
- If the shifter will not release from Park, locate the shift lock override access: look for a small rectangular or square cover/cap on the console trim directly adjacent to the shifter base, typically on the left side near the driver.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim removal tool to carefully pry off the override access cover.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the revealed override slot and press down firmly on the release mechanism.
- While holding the override pressed, press the shifter button (if equipped) and move the shift lever from Park to Neutral.
- Release the override tool, remove it, and replace the access cover.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover on the console trim to the left of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the shifter assembly.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you will not be able to turn the ignition key past the LOCK position due to the electronic steering column lock on most 2013 Challengers. In this case, you must provide at least minimal 12V power—use a jump box, battery booster pack, or jump cables from another vehicle to provide enough power to unlock the column and allow key rotation to ACC. Once the key is in ACC, the mechanical shift lock override can be used. The override itself does not require power, but accessing the shifter mechanism requires the ignition to be rotated out of LOCK.