🚨 2025 Subaru Impreza: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Impreza uses a console-mounted CVT shift lever with electronic shift lock and modern electronic architecture.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge (push start button without brake pedal, or use emergency key access)
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override: a small rectangular or circular cover cap on the left side of the shifter base console
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down and keeping brake pedal depressed, move the shifter from P to N
- If ignition has no power at all, press the override and apply firm manual force to move shifter to N
Shift-lock override location
Small cover cap on the left side of the shifter base console area
With zero electrical power
With zero power on modern Subarus with push-button start, accessing ACC mode requires using the emergency physical key slot (usually behind a cover on the door handle or center console). However, to shift with no power: simply remove the override cover, press the override mechanism down, and apply firm manual pressure to move the shifter to N. The electronic brake interlock is bypassed by the mechanical override.