🚨 2026 Infiniti Q50: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 Q50 uses a traditional console-mounted electronic shifter lever with a release button on the front of the shifter knob.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 flat surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON (press START button twice without brake pedal) to energize the shift interlock system.
- Locate the shift lock release cover: a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the console sidewall.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the shift lock release slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the release down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If moving to a flatbed, you may shift to Neutral and release the parking brake, or leave in Park and use wheel dollies as the tow operator prefers.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the console sidewall; slot underneath accepts a screwdriver or key.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter will not release even with the override slot. You must jump-start the 12V battery to at least minimal voltage (enough to power the shifter module) before the shift lock override will function. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheel dollies or a tilt-deck without shifting out of Park.