🚨 1996 Infiniti Q45: Emergency Neutral
The 1996 Q45 uses a traditional column-mounted gate-style automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 ACC or ON position if battery has any charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening on the right side of the shifter housing, covered by a small plastic cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key itself to pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the shifter remains locked, maintain downward pressure on the override while gently working the shifter - do not force it
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the right side of the shifter housing near the base, covered by a removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock mechanism may still be partially engaged. After removing the override cap and inserting the tool, you may need to apply steady downward pressure while gently rocking the shifter. If this fails, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery momentarily to release the solenoid, then immediately shift to neutral. The ignition does not need to turn over - just enough power to release the shift lock solenoid.