🚨 1998 Toyota Avalon: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 Avalon uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with a button-release mechanism and electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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 a flat surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if possible to provide power to the shift interlock system.
- Press and hold the brake pedal, then press the shifter button and move to Neutral.
- If the brake light switch has failed or there is no electrical power, locate the shift lock override slot—a small rectangular cover on the console near the shifter base, typically to the right or front-right of the shifter.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal end of the key to remove or pry up the override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the console near the shifter base, typically to the right or front-right of the shifter; exact position may vary slightly but is adjacent to the shifter mechanism.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery and key stuck in the ignition, you will need to use the shift lock override slot. The mechanical override bypasses all electronics. You may need to manually unlock the steering wheel by turning it slightly while attempting to turn the key, but the shift override itself is purely mechanical and will work without any power.