🚨 2009 Nissan Cube: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Nissan Cube (Z12 generation, first year in North America) uses a console-mounted automatic transmission 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 parking brake is firmly engaged 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 access—there is a small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side)
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the cover cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override release button/mechanism inside the slot
- While holding down the override release, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base (toward the driver), under a small rectangular removable cover
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override is mechanical and does not require any electrical power. The ignition does not need to be on. Simply remove the override cover, insert a tool into the slot, press down the mechanical release, and shift to Neutral while maintaining pressure.