🚨 2005 Subaru Forester XT: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 Forester XT with 4-speed automatic uses a floor-mounted console shifter 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
- 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 battery has remaining charge).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override: there is a small plastic cap directly to the left of the shifter base, just forward of the P position. Some models have it integrated into the console trim.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or a similar rigid tool into the exposed slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override mechanism down and keeping the brake pressed, move the shifter from P to N.
- If the ignition will not turn due to steering lock, gently rock the steering wheel left and right while turning the key.
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved. For AWD Foresters, limit flat-towing distance or use a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cap covering a slot directly to the left of the shifter base, just forward of the P position
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the ignition may not turn to ACC (steering lock may remain engaged). The shift lock override is purely mechanical and will still function—insert tool and press override, then shift to N. Steering will remain locked, so vehicle must be pushed/winched in a straight line or placed on a flatbed. Jump-starting to ACC is ideal but not required to shift out of Park.