🚨 2019 Toyota 4Runner: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 4Runner uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a gate-style pattern 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is firmly set.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side edge of the shifter surround.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the plastic override cap.
- With your foot firmly on the brake pedal (if shift interlock issue) or without power, insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to neutral.
- Keep your foot on the brake pedal while shifting and until the vehicle is secured.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the center console surround.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do not need ignition power to use the override slot. Insert tool into override slot, press down, and shift to neutral without turning the key. The transmission will physically release.