🚨 1991 Dodge Ram 50: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 Ram 50 uses a traditional floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a mechanical shift lock button on the side of the shifter handle.
✓ 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 engaged.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the right side of the shifter base assembly, usually covered by a small plastic cap.
- Remove the plastic cap by carefully prying with a small flathead screwdriver.
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot (depth approximately 1-2 inches).
- While pressing down firmly on the override release, press the shifter side button and move the shifter toward Neutral.
- The mechanical interlock should release when proper pressure is applied to the override.
- Shift to Neutral and confirm engagement before releasing the override mechanism.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the right side of the shifter base assembly, covered by a plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is fully mechanical and operates without electrical power. It bypasses the brake-light switch interlock mechanically. With no power, you may need more force on the override mechanism. The shifter side button is mechanical and doesn't require electricity to function.