🚨 1995 Dodge Neon: Emergency Neutral
The 1995 Dodge Neon uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a shift lock release mechanism that prevents moving out of Park without the brake pedal depressed and ignition on.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 possible (this may provide enough power to release the shift lock even with a weak battery)
- Locate the shift lock override release: look for a small rectangular slot or removable cap on the console directly forward of the shifter button, on the left side of the shifter base
- Remove the small plastic cap by prying gently with a flat-blade screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or ignition key into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the lever rearward to Neutral
- If no power is available and the override slot is not accessible or does not work, remove the center console trim around the shifter (pry up carefully starting from the rear) to access the shift lock mechanism directly and manually release the locking tab
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap located directly forward of the shifter button, on the left side of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the mechanical shift lock override should still function. Insert tool into override slot, press down, and shift while pressing the shifter button. If this fails, remove console trim to access and manually release the shift lock mechanism.