🚨 2018 Ferrari Portofino: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Portofino uses a push-button gear selector system mounted on the center console with buttons for R, Auto, and manual mode, plus steering-wheel-mounted 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 electronic parking brake if possible.
- Connect a jump pack or jumper cables to restore 12V battery power—the push-button system requires electrical power to function.
- Turn the ignition to ON (press the start button without pressing the brake pedal, or press it twice).
- Press the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the 'Auto' button on the center console to engage Drive mode, then immediately press the brake and parking brake to hold the vehicle.
- If you need true Neutral for towing, you must access the transmission's mechanical neutral release, which is NOT designed for roadside use.
- For flatbed loading: With power restored and brake applied, press 'Auto' to take the transmission out of Park (it will go to Drive), then use the parking brake to hold the vehicle while winching onto the flatbed.
- If absolutely no power can be restored and the transmission is locked in Park, the Portofino MUST be flatbedded with all four wheels off the ground—do NOT attempt to dolly-tow or drag it.
Shift-lock override location
The Portofino dual-clutch transmission does not have a user-accessible mechanical neutral release for roadside emergencies; factory service procedures involve accessing the transmission directly, which is not practical for roadside recovery
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery and no way to restore 12V power, the Portofino's dual-clutch transmission will remain locked in Park. You MUST use a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Do NOT attempt to tow or drag the vehicle—serious transmission damage will result. The electronic parking brake will also remain engaged without power. This vehicle requires professional recovery with a flatbed wrecker.