🚨 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Grand Cherokee uses a console-mounted shifter with the shift interlock override located in 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 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 lock override release: remove the small rectangular trim cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter)
- The override slot will be visible once the cap is removed - it is a small rectangular opening
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override tool pressed down, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral
- Replace the trim cap after shifting
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed
Shift-lock override location
Behind a small removable trim cap on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base in the center console
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.