🚨 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider uses a traditional automatic transmission gate-style shifter lever on the center console with electronic shift-lock.
✓ 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 level ground and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (do not need to start engine)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Locate the shift-lock override slot - it is a small covered opening near the base of the shifter console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade to remove the small plastic cover over the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral
- If successful, the shifter will release and move to N position
- Keep brake pedal pressed until vehicle is secured or loaded
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the base of the center console shifter assembly, typically on the left side of the shifter gate
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shift-lock cannot be overridden through normal means. The mechanical override slot may still function with manual pressure, but if this fails, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed with wheels free or dollies used. Do NOT attempt to tow with driven wheels on ground. Ferrari recommends flatbed transport in all dead-battery scenarios.