🚨 2000 Nissan Laurel: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Nissan Laurel C35 generation uses a column-mounted automatic transmission lever with a mechanical shift lock solenoid.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if any battery power remains.
- Locate the shift lock override release—on column shifters this is typically accessed from the steering column shroud near the shifter base.
- Look for a small cap, slot, or access hole on the right side of the column shroud adjacent to the shifter lever.
- Remove the cap or access cover if present.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and push or pull the release mechanism (typically push down or pull toward you).
- While holding the override release, press the brake pedal if possible and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no brake pressure is available, keep the override engaged and move the shifter directly to Neutral.
- Replace any access covers after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
On the right side of the steering column shroud near the base of the shifter lever; usually a small capped slot or access hole that may require removing a trim cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Turn the key physically to ACC position (no electrical power needed for key rotation). Follow the override procedure above. The shift lock solenoid is fail-safe mechanical on this generation.