🚨 2021 Dodge Ram 3500: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Ram 3500 uses either a center console electronic shift lever or a column-mounted rotary dial electronic shifter depending on cab configuration and trim level, both with electronic park 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
- Apply parking brake firmly and ensure vehicle is on level ground or chocked
- If any battery power remains: Turn ignition to ON/RUN (do not need to start engine)
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal
- For console lever shifter: Locate the shift lock override slot with a small plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, just below the leather boot/bezel
- For rotary dial shifter: Override access is located on the left side of the steering column below the dial, may be behind a small trim cover
- Remove the plastic cap or trim cover using a small flathead screwdriver
- Insert a key, screwdriver, or similar rigid tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down and maintaining brake pressure, move the shifter to NEUTRAL position (or press neutral on rotary dial)
- Once in neutral, remove the tool - the shifter should remain in neutral
- Vehicle can now be pushed/rolled or loaded onto flatbed; diesel 4WD models can be flat-towed if transfer case is also in neutral
Shift-lock override location
Console lever: small plastic-capped slot on left side of shifter base below the boot. Rotary dial: left side of steering column below the dial, behind small trim cover.
With zero electrical power
With complete power loss (dead battery), the electronic shift interlock may not release even with mechanical override attempted. Try the override procedure multiple times while gently rocking the shift lever. If unsuccessful, the transmission must be manually shifted at the transmission: raise the vehicle safely, locate the transmission shift cable on the driver side of the transmission, disconnect the cable from the transmission range sensor lever, and manually move the transmission lever to neutral (typically second or third detent from park position). This requires mechanical access underneath the vehicle. If unable to perform this, vehicle must be loaded onto flatbed with wheels free.