🚨 2002 Infiniti I35: Emergency Neutral
The 2002-2004 Infiniti I35 uses a console-mounted gate-style automatic transmission shifter with 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small covered rectangular opening on the console near the shifter base, typically on the left side forward of the shifter near the Park position
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic cover cap
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar thin tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override mechanism down and pressing the brake pedal (if power available), move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the shifter console base, forward of the shifter lever near Park position
With zero electrical power
The mechanical shift lock override functions without battery power. Simply remove the cover cap, insert a tool into the override slot, press down firmly, and shift to Neutral. No electrical power is required for the mechanical override to release the shift lock.