🚨 2015 Nissan Altima: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Altima (5th generation, L33) uses a console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light circuit.
✓ 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
- Engage the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ON or ACC position if 12V power is available.
- Locate the shift lock release cover—a small rectangular or oval cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the front of the console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar flat tool to gently pry off the shift lock release cover.
- Insert the tool into the release slot and push down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has zero electrical power, you must jump the 12V battery (under the hood) first—the shifter will not release without any power to the shift lock solenoid.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely and can be loaded onto a flatbed or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base on the console, near the front; the release slot is beneath this cap.
With zero electrical power
The shift lock solenoid requires 12V power to release. With a completely dead battery, you must jump-start or provide external 12V power to the vehicle's electrical system before the override will function. The ignition does NOT need to be in any particular position once power is restored, but the solenoid must have voltage.