🚨 2001 Nissan Altima: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 Altima uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter lever with electronic shift interlock.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly set and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small covered opening on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, pen, or similar tool straight down into the override slot.
- While holding the tool down (depressing the manual release), press the brake pedal if possible and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not move, press down harder on the override tool while applying firm forward pressure on the shifter.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or pushed.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base near P position, under a small plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift interlock may still physically engage. Use the manual override slot with firm downward pressure on the release tool. The steering wheel will remain locked without power, so the vehicle must be towed with the front wheels off the ground or on a flatbed.