🚨 2006 Nissan Murano: Emergency Neutral
The first-generation Murano uses a traditional console-mounted CVT shifter lever 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 possible (this may restore shift lock function if only the brake switch has failed)
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the driver's side of the shifter base, typically covered by a small rectangular cap
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if attempting brake-switch bypass) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If moving the vehicle with no power, keep the override depressed while shifting to Neutral, then release
- Replace the override cap after shifting
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap-covered slot on the driver's side of the shifter base, near the P-R-N-D gate
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will mechanically release the shifter. You will NOT be able to turn the steering wheel (locked), so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed or towed with the front wheels off the ground. The shifter can be moved to Neutral without any electrical power by using the override slot.