🚨 2019 Dodge Ram 3500: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Ram 3500 uses a column-mounted electronic shift lever (rotary dial shifter) on some trims and a traditional center console floor-mounted PRNDL shift lever on others, with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground
- If battery has any power: Turn ignition to ON/RUN position (engine does not need to start)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- For console shifter: Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base near the bottom of the shifter boot
- For rotary dial shifter: Locate the override button behind the rotary dial assembly on the left side of the steering column shroud
- Remove the cap or access cover using a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- While holding the brake pedal, insert a small screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to NEUTRAL (or press neutral on rotary dial)
- The shift lock should release and allow movement to neutral
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or towed (diesel models can be flat-towed in neutral with transfer case in neutral if 4WD)
Shift-lock override location
Console shifter: small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base near the bottom of the shift boot. Rotary dial: behind the dial on left side of column shroud.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with the override. For console shifter, try the mechanical override repeatedly while rocking the shifter. For rotary dial shifters with zero power, the transmission may need to be manually placed in neutral at the transmission itself under the vehicle - disconnect the shift cable at the transmission and manually move the transmission range selector lever to neutral position (center detent). Vehicle must be loaded onto flatbed if override does not work.