🚨 1991 Dodge Ram W350: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 Dodge Ram W350 uses a column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with an electronic brake-transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system that became standard this model year.
✓ 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 the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any remaining charge.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the lower steering column shroud, typically on the left side near the base of the shifter.
- Remove the plastic cover cap from the override slot by prying gently with a screwdriver or fingernail.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press firmly downward or inward (direction depends on mechanism).
- While holding the override actuated, press the brake pedal and move the column shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no electrical power and the override does not release the shifter, proceed to manual transmission release (see noPowerNotes).
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the lower left side of the steering column shroud, near the shifter mechanism base.
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override should work mechanically even without battery power. If it does not, access the transmission shift lever underneath the vehicle on the driver's side of the transmission. Disconnect the shift cable or linkage from the transmission lever. Manually move the transmission lever to Neutral (typically the second detent position from the full rearward position). Ensure the parking brake is set and wheels are chocked before going under the vehicle.