🚨 2018 Infiniti Q50: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Q50 hybrid uses a traditional PRNDL console-mounted shift lever 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly applied and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to ON position if 12V power is available (press Start button twice without brake pedal); if no power, proceed to override
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is beneath a small rectangular cover cap on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover cap
- Insert the ignition key, a flathead screwdriver, or a similar rigid object into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override release while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the vehicle must be towed, keep the shifter in Neutral; for flatbed transport, Park is acceptable after loading
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover cap on the left side of the shifter base; override slot is directly beneath this cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the override procedure is the same—pry off the small cap on the left side of the shifter base and use the mechanical override slot. No electrical power is required to release the shift lock mechanically. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a hybrid model. The vehicle should NOT be towed with drive wheels on the ground. Flat-tow or dolly configurations risk damage to the hybrid powertrain and electric motor. Flatbed transport is mandatory for distances beyond short repositioning moves (under 50 feet at low speed).