🚨 2012 Dodge Charger: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Charger uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with a traditional PRNDL gate and electronic shift interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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.
- If possible, turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position (engine does not need to start) to provide power to the shifter module.
- Locate the shift lock override access: look for a small rectangular or circular cap on the console near the shifter base, typically on the left side or front of the shifter housing.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the override access cap.
- Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the shifter release button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be powered on, you may need to provide 12V power to the vehicle (jump pack or jumper cables) to energize the shifter electronics before the override will function properly.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small capped slot on the console near the shifter base, typically on the left side or front of the shifter housing
With zero electrical power
The 2012 Charger's electronic shifter heavily relies on electrical power. With a completely dead battery, the mechanical override alone may not be sufficient—the shifter module itself may remain locked. You will likely need to provide temporary 12V power (via jump pack, jumper cables, or battery swap) to unlock the shifter electronics, then use the override. If no power can be provided, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the wheels free-rolling (parking pawl will remain engaged). Consider accessing the transmission directly from underneath to manually release the parking pawl as a last resort—consult service manual.