🚨 2002 Nissan Fairlady Z: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Fairlady Z (Z33 generation, 350Z) with automatic transmission uses a console-mounted floor shifter 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 flat surface and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override release—there is a small covered slot on the left side of the shifter base, near where the shifter meets the console.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the small rectangular cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down and pressing the brake pedal (if power available), move the shifter out of Park into Neutral.
- Release the override once the shifter is securely in Neutral position.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular covered slot on the left side of the shifter base near the console junction
With zero electrical power
With no electrical power, the mechanical override slot will still function. Press firmly into the override slot while attempting to move the shifter. The steering lock will engage without power, making steering impossible—flatbed towing is required if the battery is completely dead and cannot be jump-started even temporarily.