🚨 2019 Dodge Challenger: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Challenger uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock and a console-mounted override slot.
✓ 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
- Ensure the parking brake is fully engaged and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining (this may allow normal shifting if only the brake switch failed).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small covered access slot on the console to the left of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the shifter housing.
- Remove the small cap/cover from the override slot by prying gently with a trim tool or flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cover cap.
- The vehicle can now be moved or towed with the front wheels on the ground in Neutral (rear-wheel drive).
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the console to the left of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the shifter housing
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter remains locked. Use the shift lock override procedure above. The override is purely mechanical and does not require electrical power. You may need a jump start or portable jump pack to briefly power accessories if the steering lock is also engaged, but the shift override itself works without power.