🚨 2000 Infiniti Q45: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Q45 (Y33 generation) uses a traditional 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 parking brake is firmly engaged
- 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 rectangular opening with a cap, positioned on the left side of the shifter base near the P position
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If successful, the shifter will move freely to N; keep brake pedal depressed during this operation if possible
- If the vehicle must be towed, ensure it remains in Neutral and verify that the steering wheel is unlocked (key in ACC position)
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the Park position
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and will still function. Turn the key to ACC position manually to unlock the steering column. The override slot does not require electrical power to release the shifter.