🚨 2021 Nissan NV2500: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 NV2500 full-size van uses a column-mounted automatic shifter with a traditional shift-lock solenoid system.
✓ 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
- Engage the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift-lock override release, which is a small rectangular slot with a removable plastic cap on the lower right side of the steering column shroud, just below and to the right of the shifter lever.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the small cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, ignition key, or similar rigid tool into the slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever toward Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead and the ignition key will not turn, you may need to manually unlock the steering column first (turn the steering wheel slightly while turning the key to ACC).
- Once the shifter is in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot covered by a trim cap, located on the lower right side of the steering column shroud, just below and to the right of the shifter lever base.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the steering wheel lock may engage, preventing the key from turning. Wiggle the steering wheel left and right while turning the key to ACC to release the mechanical steering lock. Once in ACC, use the shift-lock override to move the shifter to Neutral without needing brake pedal input. The column lock and shift lock are mechanical safeties that can be overridden manually.