🚨 1991 Jeep Comanche: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 Comanche with automatic transmission uses a floor-mounted column-style mechanical shifter with cable linkage.
🧰 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
- Ensure parking brake is firmly set and wheels are chocked
- Turn ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Firmly depress brake pedal
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override slot on the right side of the shifter base, usually covered by a small plastic cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the cap
- Insert screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding override down, press shifter button and move shifter to Neutral
- If brake pedal feels hard or brake lights don't work, shift interlock may not release - continue holding override and applying pressure to shifter button
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on right side of shifter base, typically covered by a plastic cap that pries off
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift interlock on these older mechanical systems may still function mechanically. Use the override slot while applying firm pressure to the shifter button. If no override slot is present on your specific unit, you may need to access the shift cable at the transmission and manually move it to neutral from underneath.