🚨 2023 Infiniti QX50: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 QX50 uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with a shift-lock release button near the shifter base.
🧰 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 position if battery power is available (do not need to start engine)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Locate the shift-lock release button: it is a small rubber-covered button on the console near the base of the shifter, typically on the right side or front-right of the shifter base
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to press down on the shift-lock release button
- While holding the shift-lock release button down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Release the shift-lock release button once in Neutral
- If loading onto a flatbed, ensure the vehicle remains in Neutral and release the parking brake only when secured
Shift-lock override location
Small rubber-covered shift-lock release button on the console near the base of the shifter, typically on the right or front-right side of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter will not function normally. The shift-lock release button may still allow mechanical override to Neutral. If the override does not work with zero power, the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded with rear wheels off the ground (AWD models require full flatbed). Do NOT attempt to tow with any wheels on the ground if the transmission cannot be confirmed in Neutral.