🚨 2016 Dodge Charger: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Charger uses a traditional column-style electronic shifter (PRNDL) mounted on the steering column with electronic shift-by-wire control.
🧰 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 level ground and parking brake is set
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter housing near the base of the column shifter
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, ignition 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 cap; the vehicle can now roll in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the column shifter housing near the base, covered by a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shift-by-wire system is inoperative; the mechanical shift lock override will allow you to move the shifter to Neutral position, but you may need to use a jump box or external 12V source connected to the battery or remote jump posts under the hood to momentarily energize the system if the override alone does not release the mechanism