🚨 2025 Daihatsu Taft: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Daihatsu Taft uses a conventional console-mounted automatic transmission shift lever with a push-button shift-lock release.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (or press the start button once without brake pedal if applicable)
- Press and hold the brake pedal fully
- Locate the shift-lock override cover on the console near the shifter base
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or coin to carefully pry off the small circular or rectangular override cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cover
Shift-lock override location
Small cover located on the console surface immediately adjacent to the shifter, typically on the right side of the shifter gate near the P position
With zero electrical power
If the 12V battery is completely dead and the ignition cannot be turned on, the shift-lock override should still work mechanically. Insert the key and turn to ACC position if possible, but the mechanical override can physically release the shifter pawl even without electrical power. You may need to apply significant force to the override mechanism.