🚨 2020 Dodge Ram 3500: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Ram 3500 uses either a column-mounted rotary dial electronic shifter or a center console floor-mounted electronic shift lever depending on trim level, both with electronic shift interlock.
✓ 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 - it is a small covered slot on the left side of the shifter base below the leather boot
- For rotary dial shifter: The override access is located behind/below the rotary dial assembly, may require removing small trim panel on left side of steering column
- Pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- While holding the brake pedal, insert a key, small screwdriver, or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override depressed, shift to NEUTRAL (or press neutral button on rotary dial)
- Release the override tool once the transmission is in neutral
- The vehicle can now be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed (diesel models with 4WD: ensure transfer case is also in neutral for flat towing)
Shift-lock override location
Console lever: small covered rectangular slot on the left side of shifter base below the boot. Rotary dial: behind/below the dial assembly on the steering column, access may require trim panel removal.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery (zero power), electronic shifters may not respond to the override button. Attempt override multiple times while gently moving the shifter. If unsuccessful, transmission must be shifted manually: safely raise vehicle, locate shift cable at transmission on driver side, disconnect cable from transmission range sensor, and manually move the range lever to the neutral position (second detent from full rearward). This requires mechanical knowledge. Recommend professional assistance or flatbed transport if override fails.