🚨 2022 Nissan Pathfinder: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Pathfinder uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift-lock.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and vehicle is on level ground
- Turn ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (do not start engine)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shift lock release button - it is located in a small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, near the console trim
- While holding the release button down with a small screwdriver or key, move the shifter to Neutral
- If battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be turned on, use the shift lock release button while manually pushing the vehicle or use a jump pack to provide minimal 12V power to release the lock
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, requires inserting a small tool to depress the release mechanism
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shift lock will not release through normal means. You must use the mechanical shift lock release slot. If the release mechanism still won't operate, a jump pack or donor vehicle providing even minimal 12V power to the system should allow the override to function. As a last resort for flatbed loading, the vehicle can be dollied from the rear wheels.