🚨 2006 Toyota 4Runner: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 4Runner uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the handle and 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if you have any battery power remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the console.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Press the brake pedal (if you have power) and insert the screwdriver straight down into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle must be towed or moved a significant distance, place the transfer case in Neutral by starting the engine (if possible), shifting the transmission to Neutral, and moving the transfer case lever to the N position.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the console.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override slot still functions mechanically. Insert screwdriver into the override slot and apply firm downward pressure while moving the shifter—no brake pedal pressure is required when using the override. The ignition does not need to be powered for the override to work.