🚨 2018 Fiat 124 Spider: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 124 Spider with automatic uses a 6-speed traditional console-mounted shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Set parking brake firmly and chock wheels
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the console to the left side of the shifter base
- Remove the small rectangular cover cap by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Keep foot off brake pedal during this process
- Verify shifter is in Neutral position before releasing override
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access panel on the left side of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
The mechanical shift lock override works without any battery power. Use the override slot method above. The vehicle can then be pushed or loaded with the transmission in neutral.