🚨 2011 Subaru Forester: Emergency Neutral
The 2011 Forester uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 flat surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery has any charge remaining)
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the rubber cap covering the override slot
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the shifter resists, maintain downward pressure on the override while applying steady force to the shifter button and lever
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do NOT need to turn the key to any position. Simply remove the override cap, insert a tool into the slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The mechanical override bypasses all electrical systems.