🚨 2018 Nissan Altima: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Altima (fifth generation, L33) uses a traditional console-mounted CVT shift lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the bottom of the console
- Remove the cap by prying it out gently with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override tool down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no brake pressure is available, continue holding the override down while moving the shifter to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, accessible from the driver's seat without removing any panels
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you will not be able to turn the ignition to ACC/ON. The shift lock override is mechanical and will still function - insert the tool into the override slot and press down while moving the shifter to Neutral. The shifter movement itself is cable-actuated and does not require electrical power once the lock is bypassed.