🚨 2012 Nissan NV3500: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 NV3500 uses a traditional column-mounted shifter with a cable-actuated shift lock solenoid.
✓ 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 battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small covered opening on the right side of the shifter lever base where it meets the column shroud.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal end of the key to pry off or push aside the small plastic cover over the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and push downward firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power is available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no power is available, continue to next section.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the right side of the column shifter base, near where the lever enters the column shroud.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock solenoid should default to unlocked on most Nissan column shifters of this era. Try moving the shifter to Neutral without the override—it may move freely. If it does not, use the shift lock override as described above (no brake pedal press needed when there's no power). The steering wheel will be locked, so you cannot steer; the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded.