🚨 2013 Fiat 500 BR: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 Fiat 500 uses a conventional console-mounted automatic transmission 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position if battery power is available (do not start engine)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shift lever
- Using a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool, carefully pry off the plastic cover cap
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If no power is available, continue holding the override down while physically moving the shifter to Neutral without pressing the brake
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, directly adjacent to the shift lever
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. Insert the tool into the override slot and hold it down while moving the shifter to Neutral. The ignition does not need to be on for the mechanical override to work. Steering wheel will be locked, so vehicle must be loaded onto flatbed with front wheels off the ground or using dollies.