🚨 2018 Dodge Journey: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Dodge Journey uses a traditional console-mounted PRNDL shifter lever with an 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 apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available (this may allow the shift interlock to release normally with the brake pedal depressed).
- If the shifter remains locked, locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small covered slot on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter mechanism).
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar object into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side (driver's side) of the shifter base at the console
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override must be used as described above. The ignition will not provide any assist. Ensure you have adequate lighting to locate the override slot, as interior lights will not function.