🚨 2012 Ferrari 599 GTO: Emergency Neutral
The 599 GTO uses a console-mounted F1 paddle-shift lever with gate positions (similar to a traditional Ferrari gated manual pattern but actuating the automated manual transmission).
✓ 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 level surface with the parking brake applied
- Turn the ignition key to MAR (ON) position - this requires battery power
- Depress the brake pedal fully
- Move the shift lever from the current position to N (neutral) - the center position in the gate
- If the electronic shift system is unresponsive due to electrical failure, the shift lock override must be used
- Locate the small circular cap or rectangular cover near the base of the shifter console, typically on the right side of the shifter surround
- Pry off the cover cap carefully with a small flathead screwdriver
- Insert the ignition key or a small flathead screwdriver into the shift lock override slot
- While pressing down on the override, move the shifter to N position
- If moving onto a flatbed, once in neutral the vehicle can roll freely - ensure proper wheel chocking
Shift-lock override location
Small cap near the base of the shifter console, typically on the right side of the shifter surround
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic F1 transmission system is completely inert. The shift lock override may not function without power. The 599 GTO requires a battery jump or connection to external 12V power to energize the transmission control module enough to select neutral. If absolutely no power is available, the vehicle must be dragged onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground or dollies under the rear wheels - DO NOT tow with rear wheels on the ground as the transmission cannot be guaranteed to be in neutral.