🚨 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Wrangler 4xe uses an electronic floor-mounted console shifter with electric shift-by-wire technology and electronic parking brake.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 level ground and chock all wheels securely
- If the 12V battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON (press start button without brake pedal)
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, near the front - it may be covered by a small rubber cap
- Remove the rubber cap if present
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and moving it to the Neutral position
- If successful, the shifter will move to N on the display
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base near the front, typically covered by a small rubber cap
With zero electrical power
With ZERO 12V power, the electronic shifter will NOT function and the shift lock override will NOT work. The transmission cannot be shifted electronically. You MUST either: (1) jump-start or charge the 12V battery sufficiently to power the shifter module, or (2) have the vehicle loaded onto a flatbed tow truck with all four wheels off the ground. Do NOT attempt to flat-tow or dolly-tow this vehicle. The 12V battery is located under the front passenger seat - access requires removing the seat or accessing from outside.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid and must NEVER be flat-towed or towed with drive wheels on the ground, even in Neutral. The electric drive system can be damaged even with the vehicle 'off.' If you cannot get the 12V battery charged enough to shift to Neutral, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. If you do get it into Neutral with 12V power restored, the vehicle can roll freely but should still be transported on a flatbed for distances over 1-2 miles. Additionally, if the high-voltage battery is damaged or the vehicle was in a collision, follow all hybrid safety protocols.