🚨 1993 Plymouth Acclaim: Emergency Neutral
The 1989-1995 Plymouth Acclaim uses a traditional column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a push-button shift lock release.
✓ 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.
- Locate the shift lock override button on the steering column - it is a small rectangular button/slot directly below the shifter lever handle on the right side of the column.
- If the battery is completely dead, no override is needed for column shifters of this era - proceed to next step.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press firmly while simultaneously moving the shift lever toward Neutral.
- If the lever won't move with the override pressed, try turning the ignition key to ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge) while pressing the override.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or rolled; verify the parking brake is released before moving.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular button/slot directly below and to the right of the shifter lever handle on the steering column shroud
With zero electrical power
Column shifters of this generation typically have a mechanical linkage that can be overcome manually. With zero power, the shift lock may not engage at all - try moving the shifter firmly to Neutral without the override. If resistance is felt, use the override slot while applying firm pressure on the shifter.