🚨 1990 Plymouth Laser: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 Plymouth Laser uses a center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a brake-shift interlock button on the shifter itself.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 key to the ACC or ON position if you have battery power (the interlock may release if only the brake switch failed).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: look for a small rectangular or round slot in the console trim directly in front of or to the left of the shifter base, typically covered by a small removable cap.
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a small screwdriver, pen, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the button on the shifter and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no power, the override slot is mandatory—the button on the shifter will not release without 12V power to energize the solenoid.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small capped slot in the console trim directly in front of or to the left of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock solenoid cannot release electrically. You must use the mechanical override slot. Turn the key to ACC mechanically to unlock the steering, then use the override as described.