🚨 2022 Jeep Cherokee: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Cherokee uses a monostable electronic shifter (spring-return) mounted on the console that returns to center position after each shift command.
✓ 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake if functional
- Insert the key fob into the ignition (or have it present for push-button start)
- Without starting the engine, turn the ignition to RUN/ON position (push START button twice without brake pedal)
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal
- Move the electronic shifter forward once to command Neutral (the shifter will spring back to center)
- Verify 'N' appears in the instrument cluster display
- If the shifter will not respond electronically, locate the shift lock override access hole under the small rectangular rubber cap on the left side of the shifter base
- Remove the rubber cap and insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override release while simultaneously pushing the shifter forward to Neutral
- Keep the override depressed until Neutral is engaged and confirmed on the display
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular rubber cap on the left side of the shifter base near the console surface; slot requires pressing down with screwdriver while moving shifter forward
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter and shift lock will not function. You must: 1) Jump-start the vehicle or connect a battery booster to provide minimum power to the shifter module, or 2) Access the manual shift lock override as described above—some residual capacitor power may allow one shift cycle, or 3) If no override response, the transmission must be accessed from underneath: remove the transmission range sensor connector and manually rotate the shift shaft at the transmission (requires lift/jack and mechanical knowledge). Flatbed towing is strongly recommended.