🚨 2018 Toyota 86: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 86 with automatic transmission uses a console-mounted traditional PRNDL shifter 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the right side of the shifter base (passenger side of the shifter)
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the small rectangular plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly - you should feel resistance from the mechanical lock tab
- While maintaining pressure on the override, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral
- The shifter should move freely once the override tab is fully depressed
Shift-lock override location
Right side (passenger side) of the shifter base, small rectangular slot with plastic cap cover, located near the base of the shifter boot
With zero electrical power
With complete power loss, the steering wheel will lock. Rock the steering wheel left and right while turning the key to ACC to unlock it. The shift lock override is purely mechanical and will work without any electrical power. Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.