🚨 1994 Dodge Ram 1500: Emergency Neutral
The 1994 Ram 1500 features a column-mounted shift lever with a mechanical shift-lock system.
🧰 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 and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if you have any battery power
- Press the brake pedal fully
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shift lever
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot
- Press the override release while pulling the shift lever toward you to move out of Park
Shift-lock override location
Small slot on the left side of the steering column shroud near the shift lever base
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock on this generation can be overridden using the slot near the shift lever base. No power is required to disengage the mechanical linkage with the override tool.