🚨 2017 Subaru Impreza: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Impreza CVT uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift lock and a physical override release.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery power is available (this may allow normal shifting if only the brake switch has failed).
- If the shifter will not release from Park, locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small covered opening on the driver's side of the shifter base, typically near the lower left corner of the shifter surround.
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot (you may need a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to pry it out).
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar thin tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cap once the vehicle is in Neutral.
- The vehicle can now be moved or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base, near the lower corner of the center console shifter surround.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Use the override slot as described—no battery power is required to physically release the shifter mechanism. You will not have any dash indicators, but the shifter will move to Neutral mechanically.