🚨 2006 Dodge Stratus Coupe: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Dodge Stratus Coupe (a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse) has a center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift 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 ensure the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening typically covered by a removable plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the PRNDL indicator.
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flat-blade screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down and keeping the brake pressed, move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not move, try turning the key to different positions (LOCK, ACC, ON) while repeating the override procedure.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the gear position indicator
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the ignition key cannot be turned and the steering may lock. You will need to provide 12V power (jump-start or battery charger connected) to unlock the steering column and allow key rotation, which is necessary for the shift interlock mechanism to function properly. Once minimal power is present, follow the override procedure above.