🚨 1990 Dodge Spirit: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 Dodge Spirit uses a traditional column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a mechanical shift lock interlock.
🧰 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 remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot—a small rectangular opening approximately 1 inch long located on the left side of the steering column shroud, just below and slightly forward of the shifter lever
- Remove the rubber cap or plastic cover from the override slot if present
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar flat tool into the override slot
- Press firmly into the slot (approximately 1/2 inch deep) to depress the shift lock release mechanism
- While maintaining pressure on the override tool, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Remove the tool once shifter is in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the steering column shroud, below and forward of the shifter lever—small rectangular slot approximately 1 inch long
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot provides mechanical release. No electrical power is required to shift to Neutral using the override. If the steering column lock is engaged, you may need to manually turn the key to ACC position (which can be done without electrical power) to unlock the steering before the vehicle can roll freely.