🚨 1994 Ferrari 456 GT: Emergency Neutral
The 1994 Ferrari 456 GT with automatic transmission uses a traditional console-mounted lever with a conventional hydraulic automatic transmission.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the center console near the shifter base
- Look for a small rectangular or circular cover near the shifter - it may be labeled or unmarked
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the ignition key to pry off the cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot
- Press down firmly on the override release mechanism
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if battery has some charge) and move the shifter to neutral (N)
- If battery is completely dead, continue holding the override down and shift to neutral without pressing the brake
Shift-lock override location
Located on the center console immediately adjacent to the shifter base - typically on the left or front side of the shifter, covered by a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock solenoid will not be energized, making the override easier to engage. The override mechanism is purely mechanical on this generation. However, without power, the transmission may still be difficult to shift if hydraulic pressure is low. If the vehicle will not shift even with the override engaged, you may need to wait several minutes for residual transmission pressure to bleed off, or have it flatbed towed.