🚨 2022 Jeep Wagoneer: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Wagoneer uses a column-mounted electronic shifter (rotary dial) on most trims, or a console-mounted shifter on some configurations.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position if battery has any charge (do not start engine)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- For rotary dial shifter: Locate the shift lock override—it is typically accessed near the base of the dial on the steering column, look for a small cover or slot
- For console shifter: Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, covered by a small plastic cap
- Remove the cover/cap using a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, rotate the dial to NEUTRAL (rotary) or move the shifter to NEUTRAL while pressing the release button (console)
- If unable to shift, verify the override is fully depressed and you are simultaneously operating the shifter properly
Shift-lock override location
Varies by trim: rotary dial shifters have override near the base of the dial on the steering column; console shifters have override on the left side of shifter base under a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. You do not need battery power to use the override. However, without power you cannot turn the ignition to release the steering lock, and the rotary dial may be more difficult to operate. The vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the steering locked—towing with a tow bar is not possible.