🚨 2012 Maserati Quattroporte: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Quattroporte (fifth generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if possible (battery power needed for normal operation)
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot, typically a small rectangular cover near the base of the shifter on the console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular override slot near the base of the shifter console, covered by a removable cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, you must use the shift lock override. The override is mechanical and does not require electrical power. You may need to manually unlock the steering wheel by turning it slightly while turning the key. If the electronic parking brake is engaged and battery is dead, the vehicle cannot roll and must be flatbed towed.