🚨 2017 Nissan Fairlady Z: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Fairlady Z (370Z) automatic uses a floor-mounted console 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Remove the plastic cap by prying it up gently with a flathead screwdriver or similar tool
- While firmly pressing the brake pedal (if you have power), insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override release while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- If the steering wheel is locked, you may need to wiggle it while turning the key to ACC to unlock it
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do not need electrical power to use the override slot. However, the steering wheel will remain locked - you'll need to unlock it or have the vehicle loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels on dollies. The override slot bypasses the electronic shift interlock purely through mechanical means.