🚨 2015 Fiat Punto: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Fiat Punto with automatic transmission uses a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic 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 a flat surface and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot, which is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap near the base of the shifter assembly on the console.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small cover cap over the override slot.
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has zero electrical power and the override does not work, you may need to access the shifter cable linkage from underneath the vehicle or remove the center console to manually release the shift mechanism—this typically requires professional assistance.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or towed with the drive wheels on the ground for short distances at low speed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cover cap located near the base of the shifter assembly on the center console, typically on the left or forward side of the shifter base.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shift lock override may still function mechanically. If the override slot does not release the shifter, the center console may need to be partially disassembled to access the shift cable or mechanism directly for manual release.