🚨 2017 Subaru Forester XT: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Forester XT uses a console-mounted CVT shift lever 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge (key does not need to go to START)
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override cover: a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the shifter assembly
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down and keeping the brake pedal depressed, move the shifter from P to N
- If ignition has no power, you must press the override AND manually move the shifter with firm force to N
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side of the shifter assembly
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the shift lock is mechanically engaged. You must use the override slot (remove the cover, insert tool, press down) AND apply firm manual pressure to move the shifter to N. The brake pedal does not need to be pressed when there is no power, but the override must be defeated. Some resistance is normal.