🚨 2010 Subaru Exiga: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 Exiga uses a conventional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position (this provides power to unlock the shifter if the battery has some charge).
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cap, located on the left side of the shifter base near the P position.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down and pressing the brake, move the shifter from P to N.
- If the ignition cannot be turned (steering lock engaged), you may need to rock the steering wheel slightly while turning the key.
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or towed with all four wheels on the ground for short distances only (AWD precautions apply).
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base near the P position
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the ignition may not turn to ACC. The shift lock override is mechanical and will still function—press the override and manually shift to N. Steering wheel will remain locked; vehicle must be pushed/winched straight or lifted. For flatbed transport, this is not an issue.