Car is completely dead, like somebody shot it dead! No sounds, no light, can't shift out of park into neutral or anything....everything completely dead...no warning whatsoever!

First explain why it won't go into neutral. This may be the problem for no start.

this is a feature, on A/T cars. for vast years, !!!
my jeep is M/T and has no such thing, but A/T has this.
This feature, prevents starting in GEAR.
called park lock out, so the Audi lady can't drive over her kids, ( really sad huh?)

Called BTSI: by jeep.
this feature does, not stop starts/crankikng. unless, the shifter is not placed
in park or neutral. (this feature blocks cranking in any gear)

so i must guess, its in park, engine is running, right?
and your foot, is on the brake, and the brake lights do glow behind car, if not the park lock will stay locked.

if you need a schematic, i can send it.
some cars there is a park lock out bypass so you can drive
with no brake lights. (LOL)

the BTSI bypass is missing this feature, in 2006, unlike older cars.
a federal mandate that bypass removal.

check the brake light fuses first of brake lights are dead.
the post back for schematic.
the FSM covers how to fix this on all cars made, (usa car, and forum)
The OEM "factory service manual" buy one and end guessing.
or login to alldata.com


http://www.scantool.net/software/alldata-diy-1-month-subscription.html

so does the starter work or not in park or neutral.
this i can not guess from your post. at all.

no starts
no cranks
fails to stay running, engine.
what?
if the key will not crank the engine in park , then try cranking
in Neutral,(this trick uses fresh PRNDL contacts)
if the engine will not crank use jumper cable ump starts from a running donor car, (read paper sheet in cable box, it tells how )

if the car now cranks and starts jumped,that means the battery
was (is) discharged, that can be caused by phantom drains.
all tests are easy, and all take only a 10$ walfart DMM meter.
to find true cause , ask.

try posting what step fails in the operator guide , how to start your engine.
shift to park.
foot on brake,
turn key to crank, does this fail?

sound slike the battery is totally dead,dont try a jump start may damage/lockout the security system ,get a new battery fitted and all should be good

it sounds more like a bad neutral safety switch then anything else.

Shifting to NEUTRAL
To shift the transfer case to NEUTRAL, first make sure
the vehicle is parked so that it will not roll:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Connect the vehicle to the towing vehicle.
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) or have
the clutch pedal pressed for vehicles with
manual transmission.
5. Shift the transfer case to 2HI.
6. Simultaneously press and hold the 2HI and
4LO buttons for 10 seconds. The red NEUTRAL
light will come on when the transfer case shift to
NEUTRAL is complete.
7. Shift the transmission to REVERSE (R) for one
second, then shift the transmission to DRIVE (D)
for one second or FIRST (1) for vehicles with
manual transmission.
8. Turn the ignition to OFF.
9. Place the transmission shift lever in PARK (P) or
FIRST (1) for vehicles with manual transmission.
10. Release the parking brake prior to towing.

************************

Shifting Out of NEUTRAL
To shift out of NEUTRAL:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the regular
brake pedal.
2. Start the vehicle with the transmission in PARK (P)
or FIRST (1) for vehicles with manual transmission.
3. Press the button for the desired transfer case position
(2HI, 4HI, AUTO 4WD or 4LO).
4. Put the transmission in NEUTRAL (N) or press the
clutch pedal for vehicles with manual transmission.
5. Shift the transmission lever to the desired position.
After the transfer case has shifted out of NEUTRAL,
the red light will go out.
6. A re-engagement sound is normal when shifting out
of NEUTRAL.

yes this car has everything electrical even transmission shifter.if the battery were totally dead it will take long time to revive it, even if it comes back most never do but jumping the battery terminals should let you shift it into neutral unless the cables you have are bad,.load test the battery if its good than check for bad fuses and bad connections.

try starting it in neutral. sometimes the neutral safety switch thinks you are just outside of park (aka in reverse). this switch will not allow the car to start in any gear except park and neutral. also, try shifting firmly in and out of park several times. this may trip the switch. good luck

sounds like the shifter interlock solenoid is not working..when you put your foot on the brake,there should be a click. there is a tab in the shifter assembly that can be pried out.it is a shift lock override. you can put the key down inside and get it out of park.that is there so in the case of a dead battery,the car can be put in neutral.

check your brake light switch . and the brake transmission shift interlock solenoid. and fuse . if either is bad you cant get transmission out of park. get a haynes manual to tell you where the brake transmission shift inter lock switch solenoid located.

sounds like a neatral safety switch problem