🚨 1998 Dodge Intrepid: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 Intrepid (second generation) uses a floor-mounted console shifter with an electronic shift-lock interlock.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the console near the shifter—look for a small rectangular or circular cap directly to the left or in front of the shifter base
- Pry off the plastic cover cap carefully using a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, pen, or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override mechanism down, press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the steering wheel is locked and you need to steer, turn the key to ACC while gently rotating the wheel
Shift-lock override location
In the center console near the shifter base, typically covered by a small removable cap—look to the left or front of the shifter
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you can still shift to Neutral using the mechanical override slot without any power. The steering column lock will engage when the key is removed, preventing steering. The vehicle can be pushed or winched straight onto a flatbed, but cannot be steered. If you must roll it with steering capability, jump-start the 12V battery minimally to unlock the column.