🚨 2016 Ferrari California: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 California T uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with a traditional PRND gate (dual-clutch automatic 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 provides power to the transmission control module
- Depress the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shift lever button and move the lever to N (neutral)
- If the shift interlock prevents movement due to a failed brake light switch or electrical issue, locate the shift lock override
- Find the small rectangular or circular cover on the console near the shifter base, typically forward or to the right of the shifter
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the ignition key tip or small screwdriver into the override slot
- While pressing down on the override mechanism, press the shifter button and move to N
- The vehicle can now roll freely - use appropriate wheel chocks
Shift-lock override location
Small cover near the shifter base on the center console, typically forward or to the right of the shifter
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the dual-clutch transmission electronics are unpowered. You must provide external power: connect jumper cables or a jump box to the battery (front trunk on California). Even a small amount of 12V power should allow the transmission computer to wake up enough to accept a neutral command. The shift lock override may function mechanically without power, but the transmission itself needs minimal power to disengage. If no power source is available, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground.