🚨 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan uses a traditional center console-mounted shifter lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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 flat surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available (skip if completely dead)
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the small plastic cover cap over the override slot
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- While pressing down firmly on the override, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power, continue holding the override down while moving the shifter - it should release mechanically
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side - a small rectangular slot covered by a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot start the engine but the mechanical shift lock override still functions. Insert the tool into the override slot and hold it down while moving the shifter to Neutral. The shifter will move mechanically without electrical power. You may need to rock the vehicle slightly if the parking pawl is under load.