🚨 2009 Infiniti EX35: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 EX35 uses a traditional center console-mounted automatic transmission lever 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 apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (or ACC if battery is completely dead and you have no power)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable plastic cap, positioned directly adjacent to the shifter base on the right side (passenger side)
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver fully into the override slot (approximately 1/2 inch deep)
- While holding the override pressed down, press the brake pedal (if you have any electrical power) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If you have no electrical power at all, keep the override tool pressed down and apply firm rearward pressure on the shifter to move it to Neutral—you may need significant force
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap, located directly to the right (passenger side) of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Insert the tool into the override slot and maintain downward pressure while physically moving the shifter rearward to Neutral. The detent may be stiff without power assist. If the steering column is locked and you cannot access the ignition, you may need to force the shifter with the override depressed—this requires firm pressure but will not damage the mechanism.