🚨 2023 Dodge Charger: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Charger uses a traditional console-mounted electronic shift lever with a shift-lock override access point.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Locate the small rectangular cap/cover on the right side of the shifter base (toward the passenger side)
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to gently pry off the override access cover
- With the brake pedal released, insert a small screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral
- Release the override mechanism and remove the tool
- Replace the access cover
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shifter boot
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may still be mechanically overridden using the shift-lock release slot. The override is purely mechanical and does not require electrical power. However, if the steering column lock is engaged, you may need to jump-start the vehicle momentarily to unlock steering before attempting to move the vehicle.