🚨 2022 Dodge Ram 3500: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Ram 3500 uses either a center console-mounted electronic gear selector lever or a rotary dial electronic shifter mounted on the dashboard depending on trim, both with electronic shift lock system.
✓ 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
- Set parking brake and ensure vehicle is on level ground with wheels chocked if possible
- If battery has any charge: Turn ignition to ON or ACC position (engine does not need to run)
- Press brake pedal down firmly and hold
- For console shifter: Locate the shift lock release slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter housing near the base
- For rotary dial: Access is typically on the left side or behind the dial assembly on the column/dash mounting area
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a key, small screwdriver, or rigid tool into the override slot and press firmly downward
- While holding the override pressed and maintaining brake pressure, shift the transmission to NEUTRAL (or rotate dial to N)
- The shifter should release and move to neutral; remove the tool once neutral is engaged
- Vehicle can now be moved onto flatbed or pushed/rolled; 4WD diesel models with transfer case in neutral can be flat-towed
Shift-lock override location
Console lever: small capped rectangular slot on the left side of shifter housing near the base. Rotary dial: on left side or behind the dial assembly mounting area, specific access varies by dash configuration.
With zero electrical power
With total battery failure (no power at all), the electronic shifter interlock may remain locked even when using the mechanical override. Attempt the override multiple times while gently manipulating the shifter. If the override does not work, manual shifting at the transmission is required: safely elevate the vehicle, locate the shift cable connection at the transmission (driver side of transmission case), disconnect the cable from the transmission range sensor, and manually move the transmission selector lever to neutral position (typically center detent). This is a mechanical operation requiring tools and safe vehicle support. If this is not possible, load vehicle onto flatbed truck with wheels able to roll freely.