🚨 2017 Dodge Durango: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Dodge Durango uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with a traditional PRNDL gate and electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 a level surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override - it is a small rectangular access slot covered by a removable plastic cap, located on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot
- While pressing the brake pedal (or with key in ACC if no brake power), insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral
- If the vehicle will not be driven immediately, leave in Neutral with parking brake set; if loading onto flatbed, follow tow operator instructions
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the console trim
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with override use. If override does not work, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed with wheels free-rolling or dollied. The steering will be locked. Do NOT attempt to tow with drive wheels on the ground.