🚨 2020 Jeep Gladiator: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Gladiator uses a traditional PRNDL console-mounted shifter lever with electronic shift-lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly set
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if 12V power is available
- Locate the shift-lock override access: there is a small rectangular slot with a rubber cap on the left side of the shifter base assembly near the console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the rubber cap
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, pull the shifter rearward out of Park and into Neutral
- The shifter should move freely once the override is properly depressed
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base assembly, small rectangular slot covered by rubber cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the mechanical shift-lock override will still function. You do not need ignition power to use the override slot - it mechanically releases the lock pawl. Simply access the override slot and proceed with the release procedure.