🚨 2016 Subaru Impreza: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Impreza CVT uses a console-mounted shift lever with a button on the front of the handle and an integrated shift-lock system.
🧰 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift-lock override: look for a small rectangular or square cap on the console near the shifter base, typically on the left side adjacent to the shift gate.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key blade fully into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead, apply steady downward pressure on the override while manipulating the shifter—the release is mechanical.
Shift-lock override location
Near the shifter base on the left side of the shift gate, under a removable cap
With zero electrical power
The shift-lock override is fully mechanical. With a dead battery, the steering lock will engage when the key is removed; rock the steering wheel while turning the key to ACC to free it. If unable to turn the key, the shifter can still be released but steering will remain locked—notify the tow operator that steering is locked.