🚨 1993 Dodge Ram W350: Emergency Neutral
The 1993 Dodge Ram W350 uses a column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with an electronic brake-transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system standard on all automatic-equipped models.
✓ 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 the 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 column shifter.
- Remove the plastic cover cap from the override slot using a small flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press firmly downward.
- While holding the override mechanism down, press the brake pedal and move the column shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has zero electrical power and the override does not release the shifter, proceed to manual transmission release underneath the vehicle (see noPowerNotes).
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed (flatbed strongly recommended for 4WD models).
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the lower left side of the steering column shroud, positioned near the shifter mechanism base.
With zero electrical power
The mechanical shift lock override should work without battery power. If the shifter remains locked, you must manually release the transmission. Access the transmission shift lever on the driver's side of the transmission case underneath the vehicle. Disconnect the shift cable or linkage from the transmission lever. Manually move the transmission lever to Neutral (typically the second detent position from full rear). Ensure the vehicle is securely supported on jack stands with wheels chocked before working underneath.