🚨 2012 Infiniti EX35: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 EX35 uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 level surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a removable cap on the driver's side of the shifter base, just forward and to the left of the shift knob
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade to remove the cap covering the override slot
- While pressing the brake pedal (if possible), insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and press straight down
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cap
- The vehicle can now be moved or towed; restart the shift lock diagnosis after moving to safety
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular capped slot on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base, just forward of the shift knob
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shift lock may still be engaged and prevent movement. The mechanical override slot will still function without power - insert tool and press down firmly while moving shifter. If the steering column lock is engaged, you may need to jump-start the vehicle momentarily to unlock steering before towing.