🚨 2018 Infiniti Q70: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Q70 Hybrid uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the mechanical key blade to remove the cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key fully into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if power available) and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, you may need to manually pull the override mechanism while applying firm pressure to move the shifter - keep the tool inserted and push down while shifting
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. Insert the tool into the override slot and apply downward pressure while firmly pulling the shifter toward Neutral. The hybrid system will be completely inactive, but mechanical shifting to Neutral is possible. You may need to rock the vehicle slightly if the transmission parking pawl is under load.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID VEHICLE: The Q70 Hybrid must be transported on a flatbed truck only - do NOT tow with drive wheels on the ground as the electric motor/generator is mechanically connected to the drivetrain and cannot be decoupled. Towing with wheels down will cause severe damage to the hybrid transaxle. With no 12V power, the hybrid system cannot enter any tow mode.