🚨 1996 Eagle Summit: Emergency Neutral
The 1996 Eagle Summit uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the front of the handle for gear selection.
🧰 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 possible to unlock the steering wheel.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it's a small rectangular opening covered by a plastic cap on the console trim to the right of the shifter base.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If you cannot get power to unlock the steering wheel, you may need to rock the steering wheel back and forth while turning the key to ACC.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the console trim to the right of the shifter base, covered by a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With no electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You may need to force the key to ACC position while rocking the steering wheel to unlock it. The override slot physically disengages the shift lock solenoid regardless of power state.