🚨 2024 Jeep Cherokee: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Cherokee uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift-lock tied to the brake pedal.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position (or press Start button twice without brake pedal to get accessory power)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the shifter will not move due to failed shift interlock, locate the shift-lock override slot
- Remove the small trim cover on the left side of the shifter base (near the driver's side) to expose the override slot
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down while pulling the shifter release button
- Move the shifter to Neutral while maintaining pressure on the override
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or towed on all four wheels at low speeds for short distances
Shift-lock override location
Small trim cover on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base; remove to access the override slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, you cannot get accessory power. The shift-lock override slot still functions mechanically - use the override procedure (steps 6-8) without turning on ignition. You may need a jump pack or jumper cables to at least get accessory power if the mechanical override is difficult to access or engage.