🚨 2020 Maserati Levante: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Levante uses a traditional center console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock and a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ON/ACC position if battery power is available (don't start engine).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it's a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while pulling the shift lever toward you out of Park.
- Move the shifter to Neutral, then release the override.
- If the vehicle must be towed, keep it in Neutral with the ignition in ACC to unlock the steering wheel.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: the shift lock override still works mechanically. Follow the same procedure—pry the cap, insert tool, press override, and shift to Neutral. You will NOT be able to unlock the steering wheel without any power, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with front wheels on dollies or the rear of the vehicle lifted. Do not attempt a flat-tow.