🚨 1991 Jeep Wrangler: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 Wrangler with automatic transmission uses a traditional hydraulic cable-shifted floor-mounted lever with mechanical shift lock.
✓ 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 a flat surface and set the parking brake
- If 12V power is available, turn the ignition key to ON (do not start)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Locate the shift lock override button - it is a small button or slot directly adjacent to the shifter on the left side (driver's side) of the shifter base
- The override may be a small round button that can be pressed with a pen or screwdriver tip, or a slot under a rubber plug
- Press the override button/insert tool into the slot and hold while pulling the shifter toward you and moving it to Neutral
- The shifter should release and move to N position
Shift-lock override location
Adjacent to the shifter base on the left side, either a small button or a slot under a rubber cover
With zero electrical power
The 1991 Wrangler automatic uses a mechanical/cable shift mechanism. The shift lock is mechanically linked to the brake pedal via a solenoid that locks when the brake is not pressed. With no electrical power, the shift lock solenoid should default to unlocked position - you may be able to simply pull the shifter to Neutral without using the override. If the shifter remains locked, use the mechanical override button/slot as described.