🚨 2016 Fiat 500L: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Fiat 500L uses a console-mounted electronic automatic transmission shifter with shift-by-wire technology and electronic shift 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 set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ON/ACC position if battery has any remaining voltage
- Locate the shift lock override - there is a small rectangular access slot with a removable plastic cap on the right side of the shifter base console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the plastic cap
- Insert the screwdriver into the slot and press down firmly on the override release mechanism
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal if power is available and move the shifter forward to Neutral
- If completely dead with no power, maintain pressure on the override and apply gentle forward pressure on the shifter - the mechanical override should eventually release
- 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 right side of the shifter base console, toward the passenger side of the shifter housing
With zero electrical power
The 500L's electronic shift-by-wire system may be more difficult to override without any power. If the mechanical override does not work after several attempts with firm pressure, a jump pack or external 12V source to provide momentary power to the system is recommended. As a last resort for loading onto a flatbed, the front wheels can be placed on dollies.