🚨 2017 Nissan Altima: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Nissan Altima uses a traditional console-mounted shifter lever with a shift lock release mechanism, identical to the 2016 model.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position if you have any battery power (does not need to start).
- Locate the shift lock release slot: it is a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cap covering the shift lock release.
- Insert the screwdriver or a similar object into the shift lock release slot and press down firmly.
- While holding down the shift lock override, press the brake pedal (if you have battery power) or simply move the shifter to Neutral.
- The vehicle can now be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, you may not be able to turn the ignition to ON. In this case, jump the 12V battery temporarily to provide minimal power for the shift lock override to function, then follow the steps above. If jumping is not possible, the shift lock release can still be manually overridden with the screwdriver method, but you may need to apply more force.