🚨 2018 Ram 1500: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Ram 1500 continues with the column-mounted shift lever and electronic shift interlock system.
🧰 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 you have any battery power.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the right side of the steering column shroud, near the shift lever base.
- Remove the small plastic cover over the override slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power is available) or move the shift lever to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead, see the no-power notes below.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the right side of the steering column shroud near the shift lever base, covered by a removable cap.
With zero electrical power
Without electrical power, the shift interlock solenoid remains locked. Connect a jump pack or jumper cables to supply 12V, turn the key to ACC, then use the override. If no external power source is available, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels raised using dollies or a winch.