🚨 2020 Nissan Maxima: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Maxima uses a traditional console-mounted gear lever with electronic shift lock, unchanged from previous generation years.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (press START without brake pedal twice) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock release cover—a small rectangular cap directly adjacent to the left side of the shifter base on the console.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift lock release cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the shift lock override slot revealed beneath the cover.
- While pressing down firmly on the override, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If successful, the vehicle can now roll freely—verify parking brake is released only when ready to move.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover cap on the left side of the shifter base; override slot is directly beneath this cover.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and does not require any battery voltage. The override slot will mechanically release the shifter lock when pressed. However, you will not be able to turn the ignition to ON. Simply remove the cover, press the override, and shift to Neutral.