🚨 2020 Nissan Note: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Japanese-market Note e-POWER uses an electronic monostable shifter (returns to center) with button-style gear selection.
✓ 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- If possible, turn the power mode switch to ON (this may require some 12V battery charge).
- Locate the shift lock override - on e-POWER models this is typically a small covered slot near the shifter base or under a panel in the center console.
- Remove any trim cover or cap over the override slot using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and apply downward or inward pressure (direction depends on specific design).
- While holding the override, press the Neutral button or move the shifter to the Neutral position.
- Confirm Neutral is engaged by checking the instrument cluster display if power is available.
- The vehicle can now be moved or flatbed towed.
Shift-lock override location
Near the shifter base in the center console area, typically covered by a small removable panel or cap - exact location should be verified in owner's manual.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter may not respond even with override engaged. If you cannot engage Neutral electrically, the vehicle must be flatbed towed with all wheels off the ground. DO NOT tow with drive wheels on the ground as the e-POWER system keeps the electric motor mechanically connected to the wheels.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The e-POWER is a series hybrid where the electric motor is always mechanically connected to the front wheels. If you cannot get the shifter into Neutral electronically, you MUST use a flatbed or trailer with all wheels off the ground. Towing with wheels down can severely damage the electric motor and inverter. Do not attempt to push the vehicle more than a few feet.