🚨 2012 Infiniti FX35: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 FX35 uses a traditional center console-mounted automatic transmission lever with an electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 ON position if battery has any charge remaining (press start button without brake pedal)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: remove the small rectangular trim cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter)
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override release while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if power available) and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If successful, keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral
- If the vehicle must be towed, it can be flat-towed in Neutral for short distances or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base; removal reveals the override slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, hold the Intelligent Key fob against the start button while pressing it to attempt turning on ACC/ON mode. If this fails, the shift lock override will still function mechanically—remove the override cover and use the manual release. The steering will be locked, so the vehicle cannot be steered and must be loaded onto a flatbed.