🚨 2001 Dodge Intrepid: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 Intrepid uses a traditional column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift interlock system.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift interlock override access - look for a small cover/cap on the lower right side of the column shroud near where the shifter lever exits
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override access cover
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press firmly
- While holding the override pressed, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the brake pedal cannot be pressed due to a dead booster, maintain pressure on the override and firmly pull the shifter toward you while moving it to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small access slot on the lower right side of the steering column shroud, near the shifter lever exit point; accessed after removing a small plastic cover
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical override will still function. You will not be able to turn the ignition key to ACC, but the override slot can still release the shifter mechanism mechanically. The column lock may prevent steering, so flatbed towing is strongly recommended.