🚨 2024 Toyota bZ4X: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 bZ4X uses a rotary dial gear selector on the center console.
✓ 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 set and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small covered slot on the lower right side of the rotary dial base on the center console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key blade to carefully pry off the small rubber cap covering the override slot.
- With the brake pedal NOT pressed, insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, rotate the dial to the N (Neutral) position.
- The vehicle is now in neutral and can be moved manually or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the lower right side of the rotary dial shifter base
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the rotary dial will not illuminate or provide feedback. The shift-lock override still functions mechanically. After using the override to engage neutral, you may need to jumpstart the 12V battery or connect an external 12V source to release the electronic parking brake if equipped, or follow Toyota's procedure to manually release the EPB using the parking brake release tool in the cargo area.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
WARNING: The bZ4X is a pure EV. If the high-voltage system is damaged or the vehicle will not power on, DO NOT attempt to tow with wheels on the ground under any circumstances. Use a flatbed only. Even in neutral, towing can cause severe damage to the electric motor and inverter. If the 12V battery is dead but the HV system is intact, jumpstarting the 12V system is the safest way to move the vehicle under its own power to a safe location before flatbed transport.