🚨 2017 Fiat 500X: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Fiat 500X uses a traditional console-mounted electronic shifter with P-R-N-D positions and an electronic shift lock system.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly
- Locate the shift lock override access - there is a small rectangular cover on the console to the left of the shifter lever base
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry up and remove the shift lock override cover
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver or small tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if any power is available) or simply move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power is available at all, continue holding the override down while moving the shifter - it may require firm pressure
- Once in Neutral, you can release the parking brake and move the vehicle
- Replace the shift lock override cover when done
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cover on the console to the left of the shifter lever base
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically - insert tool into override slot and press down firmly while moving shifter to Neutral. The electronic shifter mechanism itself should still allow movement to Neutral even without power, but may require more force than normal.