🚨 2017 Ram 1500: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Ram 1500 uses a column-mounted shift lever with electronic brake-transmission shift interlock.
🧰 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 and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON if battery power is available.
- Find the shift lock override slot on the right side of the steering column shroud, near the shift lever base.
- Remove the small plastic cap over the override slot (use a trim tool if necessary).
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override depressed, press the brake pedal (if you have power) or move the shift lever to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead, refer to the no-power notes.
Shift-lock override location
Small slot on the right side of the steering column shroud near the base of the shift lever, covered by a plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift interlock will not disengage. Provide 12V power via jump pack or jumper cables, turn the key to ACC, then use the override. If no jump source is available, load the truck onto a flatbed with the front wheels raised using dollies or a winch.