🚨 1995 Dodge Dakota: Emergency Neutral
The 1995 Dakota uses a column-mounted shifter with a shift lock interlock system tied to the brake pedal and ignition.
✓ 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 key to the ON or ACC position if any battery power remains.
- Firmly depress the brake pedal (the mechanical linkage may release the shifter even without electrical power).
- If the shifter remains locked, locate the shift lock override: look for a small slot or access hole on the column shroud near the base of the shifter lever, typically on the underside or right side of the shroud.
- If present, remove any small cover and insert a screwdriver or similar tool to depress the override mechanism.
- While holding the override or with the brake pedal depressed, move the column shifter from Park to Neutral.
- The vehicle can now be rolled or towed in Neutral (rear-wheel drive, front wheels on ground acceptable).
Shift-lock override location
Near the base of the column shifter lever on the column shroud; look for a small covered slot or access hole, typically on the underside or right side
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, if the shift lock is electrically controlled, use the mechanical override slot (if equipped). Many 1995 Dakotas still used primarily mechanical interlocks tied to brake pedal position, so firmly depressing the brake may be sufficient. If no override slot is found and the brake pedal does not release the shifter, you may need to disconnect the shift cable at the transmission (accessed from underneath) and manually move the transmission lever into neutral.