🚨 2010 Toyota Avalon: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 Avalon uses a traditional center console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if possible (battery may be dead but try anyway).
- Locate the shift lock override slot, which is a small rectangular opening with a removable plastic cap on the upper left side of the shifter base, near the 'P' position.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Firmly depress the brake pedal with your left foot.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, pen, or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button on the front of the lever and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If successful, the shifter will move freely to N; you may now release the override tool.
- Replace the plastic cap when done.
Shift-lock override location
Upper left side of the shifter base assembly, near the 'P' position gate, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap approximately 0.5 inches long.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and will still function. You do NOT need battery power to use the override. The ignition does not need to be on. Simply remove the cap, insert the tool, and shift while holding the override down. The brake pedal press is still recommended but the mechanical override bypasses the electrical interlock.