🚨 1998 Plymouth Prowler: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 Plymouth Prowler uses a floor-mounted console shifter (AutoStick transmission) with an electronic shift lock tied to the brake pedal.
🧰 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 and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge.
- Press the brake pedal and attempt to move the shifter to Neutral normally.
- If the shifter remains locked, locate the shift-lock override—look for a small cover or access slot on the left side of the shifter base near the bottom of the shifter gate.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or ignition key to pry off the cover if present.
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and confirm the vehicle is in Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Near the left side of the shifter base at the bottom of the shift gate; typically covered by a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you must use the shift-lock override. The AutoStick shifter is cable-actuated and will move to Neutral mechanically once the lock is defeated. The ignition does not need electrical power for the override to function. Ensure the parking brake is firmly set as the Prowler is rear-wheel drive and lightweight.