🚨 1997 Dodge Ram Van: Emergency Neutral
The 1997 Ram Van uses a column-mounted shift lever with a mechanical shift-lock release button on the lever itself.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge
- Press and hold the brake pedal
- Press the small shift-lock release button on the front face of the shift lever (below the main button) while moving the shifter to neutral
- If no power and the column lock won't release electrically, use the mechanical override: locate the small access hole or slot on the lower steering column shroud near the shift lever base
- Insert a small screwdriver or trim tool into the override access to manually release the shift lock mechanism while moving the shifter
Shift-lock override location
Small access hole on the lower steering column shroud, typically on the right side near where the shift lever enters the column housing
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the column shift lock may remain mechanically engaged. The override access hole on the steering column shroud allows manual release of the lock mechanism. You may need to remove the lower column cover for better access. Some force may be required to move the lever once the lock is released.