🚨 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 Grand Cherokee uses a column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift interlock release accessible from under the steering column.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift interlock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening on the left side of the steering column shroud, directly below and slightly to the left of the shifter lever
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot approximately 1/2 inch
- While holding the tool inserted and pressing firmly, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral
- If the override slot is difficult to locate, remove the lower steering column cover (two screws) to access the interlock mechanism directly
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the steering column shroud, below the shifter lever; alternatively accessible by removing the lower column cover
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift interlock is mechanically bypassed using the override slot - no battery power is required for this procedure. The override mechanism is purely mechanical on this generation.