🚨 2009 Infiniti FX50: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 FX50 uses a conventional floor-mounted console shifter with 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 the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ON (or press start button twice without brake pedal) to provide power to the shift lock system
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap cover, positioned directly to the left of the shifter base on the console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the cap cover
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the vehicle will not be immediately repaired, keep your foot on the brake and restart the engine in Neutral if possible to avoid battery drain from accessories left on
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap cover, directly to the left of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the shift lock override will not function electronically. You may need to use a jump pack or jumper cables to provide temporary power to the ignition system (at least to ON position) to release the shift lock. If absolutely no power is available, the vehicle must be dollied or winched onto a flatbed with the front wheels off the ground.