🚨 2005 Toyota Avalon: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 Toyota Avalon (first year of third generation) uses a column-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift interlock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge.
- Locate the shift lock override access point on the steering column shroud near the shifter lever base.
- Look for a small removable cover or slot on the left side of the column shroud below the shifter—it may be a rectangular plug that pries out.
- Remove the cover using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed slot and push down or toward the steering wheel to depress the shift lock release mechanism.
- While holding the override depressed, move the column shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If no power is available, the mechanical override should still function without ignition or brake input.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered access slot on the left side of the steering column shroud, below and near the base of the shift lever.
With zero electrical power
The column shift lock override is mechanical and will function without battery power. The override mechanism releases the shifter gate lock directly. Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked before overriding the shift lock.