🚨 2004 Infiniti FX35: Emergency Neutral
The 2004 FX35 (first-generation S50) uses a 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 release: look for a small cap or access slot near the shifter base on the left side (driver's side) of the shifter assembly
- Remove the cap using a flat-blade screwdriver or pry tool to expose the override mechanism
- While pressing the brake pedal (if possible), insert a screwdriver or the metal key blade into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override mechanism down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the access cap if applicable
- The vehicle can now be moved or towed; address the shift lock or brake switch issue after reaching safety
Shift-lock override location
Small capped access slot near the left (driver's) side of the shifter base assembly
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically - no power is required for the manual override. However, the steering lock may engage, preventing wheel turning. If steering is locked, you may need to momentarily jump-start the vehicle to release the steering lock mechanism before towing.