🚨 2000 Nissan Xterra: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 Xterra uses a column-mounted shift lever with mechanical shift lock interlock.
✓ 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 applied and vehicle is on level ground
- Turn ignition key to ACC or ON position if 12V power available
- Press and fully hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override - on column shifters, look for a small slot or access point near the base of the shifter shroud on the steering column
- Remove any small cover cap if present
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override access
- While holding brake pedal and pressing the override mechanism, move shifter from Park to Neutral
- Remove tool and replace any cover
Shift-lock override location
Near the base of the column shifter assembly, typically on the right side of the steering column shroud - may require removing a small trim piece or accessing through a slot
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the mechanical override still functions. The shift lock on this generation is a cable-actuated or solenoid mechanism that can be manually released via the override slot without electrical power. You may need to turn the key to ACC position mechanically to unlock the steering column, but the shift lock override itself works without power.