🚨 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Grand Cherokee L uses an electronic rotary dial shifter (e-shifter) mounted on the center console.
✓ 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- If the 12V battery has minimal charge, press the Engine Start/Stop button twice without pressing the brake pedal to enter Accessory mode
- With power available, press and hold the brake pedal, then rotate the shifter dial to the 'N' (Neutral) position
- If there is absolutely no electrical power, locate the shift lock override - look for a small cover or cap near the base of the rotary shifter dial on the console
- Remove the cover (it may require prying gently with a trim tool or small flathead screwdriver)
- Insert a small screwdriver or key blade into the shift lock override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, attempt to rotate the dial to Neutral (this may require slight electrical power to release the transmission park pawl)
- If the vehicle will not release from Park with zero power, jump-start the 12V battery to provide minimal voltage (the electronic shifter requires some voltage to command the transmission solenoid), then repeat the override procedure
Shift-lock override location
Small cover or cap located at or near the base of the rotary dial shifter on the center console; typically to the side or beneath the dial assembly
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the rotary electronic shifter cannot command the transmission to release from Park, even with the override engaged. You will need to provide at least minimal 12V power via jump-start or battery charger to energize the shift-by-wire system. Once minimal power is available, use the override procedure above. If no power can be provided, flatbed towing is required.