🚨 1996 Infiniti G20: Emergency Neutral
The 1996 G20 uses a conventional console-mounted automatic shifter with a button on the front of the handle and electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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 key to the ACC or ON position if possible (this may restore some shift-lock function even with a weak battery)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, near where the shifter meets the console
- Remove the small rectangular cover cap (may require a flat-head screwdriver to pry gently)
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- Keep the brake pedal depressed throughout this process if any electrical power is available
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or steered onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base near the console, under a small rectangular cover cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the override slot remains mechanical and functional. You will not be able to turn the steering wheel lock without the key in ACC position, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed rather than steered. If the key cannot turn due to a completely dead battery affecting the electronic steering lock (rare on this generation), the vehicle must be dragged or winched straight onto the flatbed.