🚨 2016 Nissan Titan: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Titan (second generation) uses a column-mounted shift lever with a release button on the lever that must be pressed to shift out of Park.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key or push-button start to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override: look for a small rectangular or circular slot with a cover on the lower steering column shroud, below and near the shift lever base.
- Remove the cover cap from the override slot using a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down or push in firmly.
- While holding the override depressed, press the shift lever release button and move the lever to Neutral.
- Keep the override engaged until the shifter is fully in the Neutral position.
- Do NOT attempt to shift into any gear other than Neutral without the brake pedal depressed and engine running.
Shift-lock override location
Small slot with cover cap on the lower steering column shroud, in the vicinity below the shift lever—exact location varies slightly by model year within second generation.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Battery power is not required to release the shifter mechanically. However, the steering column will remain locked, preventing steering, so the vehicle must be loaded straight onto a flatbed or towed with the front wheels off the ground.