P0850 CODE?

2020 DODGE CHALLENGER
60,000 MILES • AUTOMATIC
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BHAMDOC1
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This car is a repo and has the V6 motor. I see that the lever that is used to place the car in neutral was used to get it towed. The auction is not able to start it so it's a no runner. Does this code set when the car is towed or placed in neutral using that lever? Does that b prevent it from being able to start till the lever is placed down? you maybe able to see the lever am talking about in the picture next to the gear shifter
Jun 1, 2026 at 10:01 PM
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STRAILER
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The manual neutral/park release can cause this problem if it was used for towing and not fully reset. Code P0850 means the computer is not seeing the correct Park/Neutral switch signal, and that can keep the car from cranking. I would inspect the shift by wire module which is the shifter/under the center console. I would also check the fuses, this video can help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-xNK79Wa-w&pp=0gcJCSgLAYcqIYzv

Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on. Check out the images (below). Please let me know what happens.
Jun 2, 2026 at 2:51 PM
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BHAMDOC1
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Thanks. Also, i have seen people talk about a broken tab if the tow truck driver broke it this would happen too, what tab if you know are they talking about?
Jun 2, 2026 at 2:54 PM
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STRAILER
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The lever beside the shifter is the manual park release. It is used to mechanically release the shifter/park lock so the vehicle can be moved or towed when it will not power up.
Jun 2, 2026 at 3:06 PM
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