🚨 2016 Dodge Dart: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Dodge Dart (final model year) features a center console-mounted electronic shifter with an electronic shift lock system.
🧰 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 engaged and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position if battery power is available (do not need to start engine).
- Locate the shift lock override access—look for a small rectangular or circular cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override access cap.
- Insert a screwdriver or the emergency key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override depressed, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shifter button does not release, maintain pressure on the override while pulling up on the shifter button and moving to Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base (driver's side), covered by a small removable cap approximately 0.75 inches in diameter
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, the electronic shifter lock may not release even with the override on some Dart models. If the mechanical override does not work, the transmission will need to be placed in Neutral at the transmission itself (under the vehicle—requires professional service) or the vehicle must be flatbed towed. The electronic parking brake on some trims also requires power to release.