🚨 2013 Ferrari 458 Speciale: Emergency Neutral
The 458 Speciale uses the same push-button transmission selector as the Italia on the center console with buttons for Auto, R, and Launch, plus steering wheel paddle shifters.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake if functional
- Turn the ignition to ON position (not ACC) - this requires battery power
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the 'Auto' button on the center console to engage the transmission
- The transmission computer will place the gearbox into neutral electronically - there is no mechanical neutral position without power
- If moving the vehicle for towing, the front wheels must be lifted or the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the 458 Speciale's dual-clutch transmission (F1 DCT) cannot be placed into neutral mechanically by the operator. The transmission is electronically controlled with no manual override accessible to the owner. The vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground, or at minimum the rear wheels lifted (rear-wheel drive). Do not attempt to tow with any wheels on the ground as the transmission will be in gear and damage will occur.