🚨 2014 Ram 1500: Emergency Neutral
The 2014 Ram 1500 uses a column-mounted shift lever with an electronic shift interlock system (BTSI).
🧰 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 and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if you have any battery power.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening on the right side of the column shroud near the base of the shift lever.
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot (it may be labeled or may require prying gently with a trim tool).
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if you have power) or simply move the shift lever toward Drive, then to Neutral.
- If the column remains locked with no power, you may need to apply 12V to the vehicle temporarily via jump pack or jumper cables to energize the shift interlock solenoid.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the right side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shift lever, usually covered by a removable cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the column shift interlock solenoid may remain locked. Connect a jump pack or jumper cables to provide 12V, turn the key to ACC, then use the override procedure. If no jump source is available, the vehicle will need to be dollied or winched onto a flatbed with the front wheels off the ground.