🚨 2015 Subaru Outback: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Outback uses a traditional console-mounted CVT shifter lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 securely chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (or ACC if battery is weak but not completely dead) to release the shift lock.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly, then move the shifter to neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead or the shift lock will not release with the brake pedal, locate the shift lock override slot.
- The shift lock override slot is on the right side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap that can be pried out with a flathead screwdriver or your finger.
- Remove the override cap and insert a flathead screwdriver or key into the slot.
- Press down on the override mechanism while simultaneously moving the shifter to neutral (you do NOT need to press the brake pedal when using the override).
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Right side of shifter base, under a small rectangular cap adjacent to the shifter button
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you must use the shift lock override. Remove the cap on the right side of the shifter base, insert a screwdriver into the override slot, press down firmly, and move the shifter to neutral without needing to press the brake pedal. The steering wheel will remain locked unless you can get at least ACC power.