🚨 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Grand Cherokee SRT uses a traditional gate-style automatic shifter lever mounted on the center console.
🧰 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 a level surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Insert the key and turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position (not ACC—full RUN position required)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral using normal operation
- If the shifter will not move from Park due to a failed shift interlock, locate the shift lock override slot on the console near the shifter base
- The override access is typically a small rectangular slot just forward or to the right of the shifter, often covered by a small plastic cap that can be pried out
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral
- Release the tool and verify Neutral is selected on the instrument cluster
- Release the parking brake only when ready to move or when secured on a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot near the shifter base on the center console, typically just forward or to the right of the shifter, covered by a removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery (no power to ignition), you may not be able to rotate the key to RUN position. If the steering lock is engaged and key will not turn, the shift lock override will still work mechanically—access the override slot and press down while moving the shifter to Neutral. The mechanical gate allows neutral selection with the override depressed even without electrical power to the shift interlock solenoid.