🚨 2013 Toyota Avalon: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 Avalon Hybrid (XX40 platform) uses a center console-mounted electronic shift-by-wire lever with shift lock and hybrid transaxle controls.
✓ 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.
- Attempt to turn the push-button start to ACC or ON mode if possible (may require a jump box connected to the 12V battery).
- Locate the shift lock override slot, which is a small rectangular opening with a removable plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, forward of the shifter gate.
- 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, move the shifter from P to N (the shifter moves in a straight fore-aft motion on this generation).
- If successful, the shifter will move to N; you may now release the override tool.
- Replace the plastic cap when done.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base assembly, forward of the shift gate, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
The 2013 Avalon Hybrid uses an electronic shift-by-wire system, but the shift lock override is mechanical. With zero 12V power, the override will release the shifter lock mechanism. However, because this is a hybrid with an electronic transaxle, the actual transmission may not physically engage neutral without some electrical power. If the shifter moves to N but the wheels remain locked, the hybrid transaxle parking pawl may still be engaged. In this case, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The 2013 Avalon Hybrid uses a CVT-style hybrid transaxle (e-CVT). Even if you successfully move the shifter to N, the transaxle parking mechanism may remain engaged without electrical power to the hybrid system. DO NOT tow this vehicle with any wheels on the ground. Flatbed transport ONLY with all four wheels off the ground, or you will cause severe transaxle damage. If you need to roll the vehicle a short distance for loading, the 12V battery must have some charge, and the hybrid system should be powered on if possible.