🚨 2010 Dodge Journey: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 Journey uses a center console-mounted electronic shifter with shift-lock solenoid that requires an override procedure.
🧰 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 lock override slot - it is directly to the right of the shifter base, covered by a small removable cap
- Use a trim tool or your fingernail to carefully pry off the small rectangular override access cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override slot
- Press down firmly on the tool while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If brake pedal cannot be pressed, maintain firm downward pressure on the override while pulling the shifter button and moving to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, replace the override cap and the vehicle can be moved or loaded
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot directly to the right of the shifter base in the center console; covered by a removable plastic cap approximately 0.5 inches square
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery and no electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Insert the tool into the override slot and apply firm downward pressure to mechanically release the shifter. The steering column will likely be locked, making flatbed towing the only safe option.