🚨 2023 Jeep Wagoneer: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Wagoneer uses a rotary dial electronic shifter mounted on the center console in most 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
- Locate the shift lock override access: look for a small cover or slot near the base of the rotary dial shifter on the console
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully remove the cover
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down and the brake pedal, rotate the dial counterclockwise to the NEUTRAL position
- The dial should click into NEUTRAL; if it does not move, verify the override is fully depressed
Shift-lock override location
Near the base of the rotary dial shifter on the center console, under a small cover—exact location may require removing trim around the dial base
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override should still function. You do not need battery power to mechanically release the shifter. However, without power you cannot turn the ignition to release the steering lock, and the rotary dial may be difficult to rotate. The vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the steering locked—towing with a tow bar is not possible. The electronic transmission may also default to PARK without power.