🚨 2023 Dodge Ram 3500: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Ram 3500 features either a center console-mounted electronic shift lever or a dashboard-mounted rotary dial electronic shifter depending on trim package, both utilizing electronic shift interlock and park lock systems.
✓ 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
- Engage parking brake fully and ensure vehicle is on level surface with wheels chocked
- If battery retains any power: Turn ignition switch to ON/RUN position (engine does not need to start)
- Press and firmly hold the brake pedal
- For console lever: Find the shift lock override - a small rectangular slot covered by a plastic cap located on the left side of the shifter base assembly below the shift boot
- For rotary dial shifter: Override access is typically on the left side of the column or behind the dial assembly; may require removing a small trim panel
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or plastic trim tool to remove the cap covering the override slot
- Insert a vehicle key, small flathead screwdriver, or similar rigid tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While maintaining pressure on the override and keeping the brake pedal depressed, move the shift lever to NEUTRAL (or rotate dial to N position)
- Once the transmission engages neutral, release the override tool - shifter should remain in neutral
- Vehicle can now be rolled, pushed, or loaded onto flatbed transport; diesel 4WD models require transfer case in neutral for flat-towing
Shift-lock override location
Console lever: small plastic-capped rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base below the boot. Rotary dial: on the left side of the steering column or behind the dial assembly, may require trim removal for access.
With zero electrical power
If battery is completely dead with zero electrical power, the electronic shift interlock may not disengage even with the mechanical override. Attempt the override procedure several times while gently moving the shift lever back and forth. If the override remains ineffective, manual transmission shifting is necessary: safely raise and support the vehicle, locate the transmission shift cable at the transmission on the driver side, disconnect the cable from the transmission range sensor lever, and manually move the transmission shift lever to the neutral detent position (typically the middle position). This requires mechanical knowledge and proper safety equipment. If unable to perform manual shifting, vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all wheels free to roll.