🚨 2016 Fiat Palio: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Fiat Palio uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the side of the shifter handle for releasing the shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override slot, typically found as a small rectangular or circular cap near the base of the shifter console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If successful, the shifter should move freely to Neutral position
- Keep the screwdriver depressed in the override slot until the shifter is fully in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small cap-covered slot located at the base of the shifter console, typically on the left or right side near the shifter boot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override mechanical release will still function. You may need to manually unlock the steering column by inserting and turning the key. The override slot provides purely mechanical bypass of the shift lock solenoid.