🚨 1995 Plymouth Neon: Emergency Neutral
The 1995 Plymouth Neon uses a center console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a brake-shift interlock.
🧰 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: on first-generation Neons, look for a small rectangular slot or button access in the console trim immediately to the left of the shifter base, often covered by a small rubber or plastic cap.
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a small flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the slot and press down firmly to mechanically release the shift lock.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no power, you must use the override slot—the interlock solenoid requires 12V power to release electrically.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small capped slot or button access in the console trim immediately to the left of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override slot is the only option. Turn the key to ACC mechanically to unlock the steering column, then use the override slot as described to release the shifter.