🚨 2006 Toyota Avalon: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Toyota Avalon 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 on the steering column shroud near the shifter lever base.
- Find the small removable cover on the left side of the column shroud below the shifter—this is typically a rectangular plastic plug.
- Pry out the cover using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the exposed override slot and push firmly to depress the shift lock release.
- While holding the override mechanism down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If no electrical power is available, the mechanical override will still release the shift lock without requiring ignition or brake pedal input.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the steering column shroud, positioned below and adjacent to the shift lever base.
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is a mechanical release that functions without battery power. Simply depress the override mechanism with a tool while moving the shifter. Ensure parking brake is set and wheels are chocked before starting.