🚨 1995 Dodge Stratus: Emergency Neutral
The 1995 Dodge Stratus uses a floor-mounted console automatic transmission shifter with an electronic shift lock interlock controlled by the brake-shift interlock solenoid.
🧰 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 ON/RUN position (do not start the engine) to power the shift interlock system
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shifter release button on top of the shifter handle and move from Park to Neutral
- If the battery is dead or the brake switch has failed, locate the shift lock override access
- Look for a small removable cap or cover near the base of the shifter on the console - typically at the front left side of the shifter boot
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- Vehicle is now ready to be moved or loaded
Shift-lock override location
Located on the shifter console near the base of the shifter, typically under a small removable cap at the front or left side of the shifter boot - access with a small tool to depress the mechanical release
With zero electrical power
With no electrical power, the shift interlock solenoid will not release. Use the mechanical shift lock override slot accessed by removing a small cap near the shifter base on the console. Insert a tool to manually depress the lock mechanism while moving the shifter.