🚨 2015 Jeep Wrangler: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Wrangler JK uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it's a small covered opening on the right side of the shifter base, near the bottom of the shift gate
- Remove the rubber cap or cover from the override slot using your finger or a flathead screwdriver
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- While pressing down firmly on the override, press the brake pedal (if you have any power) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If you have zero electrical power, keep the tool pressed into the override slot while pulling the shifter toward Neutral - you may need significant force
- Once in Neutral, you can release the override tool and remove it
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base near the bottom of the shift gate, covered by a small rubber cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot still functions mechanically. Insert tool into override slot and maintain downward pressure while shifting - no brake pedal pressure is required when using the mechanical override, though the shifter will be stiff. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be towed or pushed with front wheels off the ground or on dollies.