🚨 2014 Subaru Forester: Emergency Neutral
The 2014 Forester (fourth generation) uses a 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 - there is a small rectangular slot covered by a removable cap directly to the left of the shifter lever, near the base on the console trim
- Use a flat-head screwdriver, key, or trim tool to carefully pry off the cap covering the override access hole
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and press the shifter release button while moving the lever from Park to Neutral
- Maintain steady pressure on the override if the shifter resists
- 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, integrated into the console trim near the P position
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do NOT need electrical power. Simply remove the override cap, insert a tool into the slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The mechanical override bypasses all electrical systems.