🚨 2025 Nissan Ariya: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Nissan Ariya uses an electronic shift-by-wire system with a small console-mounted electronic shifter (push-button or toggle-style depending on trim).
✓ 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 vehicle is on a level surface and chock the wheels before attempting any override procedure.
- Locate the 12V battery in the vehicle (typically under the hood in the front) and attempt to jump-start or connect an external 12V power source to restore auxiliary power.
- With 12V power restored, press the brake pedal firmly and press the vehicle's power button to place the vehicle in ACCESSORY or ON mode (without starting the drive system).
- With the power on and brake depressed, the electronic shifter should allow movement to Neutral (N) position.
- If the electronic shifter remains locked despite 12V power, look for a small shift-lock override slot or button near the base of the shifter assembly—this may be covered by a small removable cap or trim piece.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot while pressing the brake, then move the shifter to N.
- If the shifter cannot be freed or 12V power cannot be restored, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground—do NOT tow with wheels on the ground.
Shift-lock override location
Small override slot or button near the base of the electronic shifter, likely covered by a removable cap; exact location not confirmed for this generation
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not function. You must restore 12V power via jump-starting the 12V battery or connecting an external 12V source. If 12V power cannot be restored, flatbed towing with all wheels off the ground is the only safe option.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The Ariya is a pure EV with an electronic parking brake and shift-by-wire system. If the 12V battery is completely dead and cannot be jump-started, the vehicle cannot be placed in neutral. NEVER tow this vehicle with any wheels on the ground—serious damage to the electric drive system will occur. Use flatbed transport only.