🚨 2005 Nissan Fairlady Z: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 Fairlady Z (350Z) has a traditional console-mounted automatic 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock release cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the P gate
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the shift lock release cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed shift lock release slot and press down firmly
- While holding the release down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no battery power is available, you must jump-start the 12V battery or connect a battery booster pack to gain enough power to turn the ignition to ACC position before performing the shift lock override
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base near the Park position gate
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override requires at least ACC power. Jump-start the 12V battery or connect a portable jump starter to provide minimum power for the ignition system, then use the shift lock release. The override mechanism itself is mechanical but requires ignition power to be effective.