🚨 2022 Toyota Avalon: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Avalon Hybrid uses a traditional console-mounted P-R-N-D shifter 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 the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the console—it is a small rectangular slot with a removable cap, positioned directly to the left of the shifter base near the driver's side.
- Remove the cap by prying it up gently with a flat-blade screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if any 12V power remains) or simply pull the shifter out of Park into Neutral.
- If you cannot shift with the tool alone, try turning the ignition to ACC or ON (if possible) while holding the override and applying the brake.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely—maintain control and secure it immediately.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap located directly to the left of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the console.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the hybrid system will not activate and the shift lock remains engaged. The shift lock override slot still functions mechanically—insert the tool and apply force while attempting to move the shifter. You may need to rock the shifter slightly while pressing the override. If the electronic shifter remains completely locked, the vehicle must be flatbed towed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The Avalon Hybrid cannot be towed with drive wheels on the ground under any circumstances due to the hybrid transaxle design. If you cannot shift to Neutral, or if the vehicle must be moved more than the length of a driveway, use a flatbed or wheel-lift tow truck with rear wheels off the ground. Do not attempt to flat-tow or dolly-tow this vehicle.