🚨 2019 Subaru Forester: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Forester (fifth generation, redesigned) uses a console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge (this may allow normal shifting with brake pedal depressed).
- If ignition power is insufficient or brake-light switch has failed, locate the shift lock override on the console near the shifter.
- Look for a small cap or cover on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base assembly, typically near the P gate position.
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cap if possible.
- Vehicle can now be moved or towed with front wheels on the ground (AWD system allows flat towing in Neutral for short distances at low speed; for extended towing, flatbed is recommended).
Shift-lock override location
Small cap on the driver's side of the shifter base assembly near the P position; exact location may vary slightly with console trim but is adjacent to the lever.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot turn the ignition to ACC/ON. The mechanical shift lock override still functions without any electrical power—simply access the override slot as described and use a tool to depress the release mechanism while shifting to Neutral. No battery power is required for the mechanical override.