🚨 2001 Subaru Impreza: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 Impreza did not offer a CVT transmission; all automatics were conventional 4-speed automatics with a floor-mounted console shifter.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position (this powers the shift interlock solenoid)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shifter button and move to Neutral
- If the brake pedal is unresponsive or ignition cannot be turned: locate the small removable cover on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side)
- Pry off the override cover with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and push down while pressing the shifter button
- Move shifter to Neutral while holding the override down
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base console; the slot beneath accepts a screwdriver to mechanically release the shift lock
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery and ignition off, use the mechanical shift-lock override: remove the small cover on the left side of the shifter base, insert screwdriver into the slot, press down firmly while pressing the shifter button, and move to Neutral. The override is purely mechanical and requires no electrical power.