🚨 1995 Dodge Ram 2500: Emergency Neutral
The 1995 Ram 2500 uses a column-mounted shifter with newly-implemented electronic shift-lock interlock system (mandated for 1995+ model year).
🧰 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 parking brake is fully engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the right side of the column shifter housing, covered by a small rubber cap
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or fingernail
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar narrow tool into the override slot
- Press the tool firmly down/inward while pressing the brake pedal
- Move the shifter to Neutral while holding the override depressed
- Remove the tool once shifter is in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the column shifter housing, approximately 1-2 inches below the shifter lever pivot point, covered by a small rubber or plastic cap
With zero electrical power
The shift-lock override is a mechanical release that functions without electrical power. With a completely dead battery, the override slot allows you to bypass the electronic interlock. No power is required for the override mechanism itself to work.