🚨 2006 Infiniti Q45: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Q45 (fourth generation, final year) features a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift interlock.
✓ 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 and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button without brake pedal if battery has minimal charge)
- Locate the shift lock override slot near the shifter base - look for a small covered opening on the right side or front-right of the shifter base
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override
- Insert the screwdriver 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 has the intelligent key system and will not power on, proceed to no-power procedure
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot near the shifter base on the center console, typically on the right side or front-right of the shifter, covered by a small plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the intelligent key system will not activate. The shift lock override is electrically dependent on this generation. You may need to connect a jump pack or charger to get minimal 12V power to activate the ignition system and unlock the shifter. If absolutely no power source is available, the center console will need partial disassembly to mechanically release the shifter cable - this is not a roadside procedure and requires flatbed transport.