🚨 2015 Fiat 500: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Fiat 500 uses a traditional console-mounted lever shifter with electronic shift lock interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 engage the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (without starting the engine) if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or a rigid tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If the battery is completely dead, you may need to apply significant downward pressure on the override while moving the shifter without the brake pedal pressed
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. Press firmly on the override slot with a tool while moving the shifter to Neutral. The brake pedal interlock will not function without power, so you can shift without pressing the brake when using the override.