🚨 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Wrangler Unlimited (JL generation, first year) uses a traditional PRNDL console-mounted shifter with an electronic shift interlock.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position using the push-button start (press without foot on brake) or turn the key to ON if equipped with a key ignition.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift lock override: find the small rectangular cap or cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the center console).
- Pry off the cap using a flathead screwdriver or your finger.
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down and pressing the brake, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Release the override, replace the cap, and the vehicle can now roll.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side (driver's side) of the shifter base on the center console; remove cap to access the override slot.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the push-button start will not activate and the shifter interlock will not release electronically. You MUST jump-start the 12V battery under the hood first to provide power, then press the start button (without foot on brake) to turn ignition ON, then use the shift lock override procedure. The JL generation relies more heavily on electrical systems than the previous JK.