🚨 2022 Fiat Fastback: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Fastback uses a modern electronic console-mounted automatic shifter with CVT transmission and electronic shift lock (shared architecture with Fiat Pulse).
🧰 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 level ground and parking brake is firmly engaged
- If any battery power remains, turn the ignition to ON or press the start button twice without pressing the brake
- Locate the shift lock override—it is a small rubber or plastic cap on the shifter console, typically positioned just forward or to the left of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key blade to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override button depressed, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the shifter feels completely locked even with override pressed and zero electrical power, the electronic shifter may require a jump-start or external 12V power to the battery before the mechanical override will function properly
Shift-lock override location
Small capped slot on the shifter console, typically just forward or to the left side of the shifter base—look for a small rectangular or circular cap approximately 1cm in size
With zero electrical power
The Fastback's CVT uses an electronically-controlled shifter that may have limited functionality with zero electrical power. The mechanical override should work, but if the shifter remains completely frozen, you may need to provide temporary 12V power (jump pack or jumper cables) to energize the shifter solenoid circuit momentarily while using the override. Some electronic shifters in modern Fiats require minimal voltage to release even with the override engaged.