🚨 2021 Toyota C-HR: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 C-HR uses a conventional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override cover - a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If brake pedal doesn't assist, maintain pressure on the override while firmly pulling the shifter toward Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely - ensure adequate chocking
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot is mechanical and will still function. You do NOT need ignition power to use the shift lock override - simply remove the cover, press the override, and shift to Neutral. The shifter mechanism itself is cable-operated and does not require electrical power.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The 2021 C-HR hybrid has a hybrid transaxle but uses a conventional shifter. With battery dead, moving the shifter to Neutral mechanically disengages the parking pawl. For towing distances over 50 miles or speeds over 35 mph, use a flatbed or dolly with front wheels off the ground to prevent damage to the hybrid transaxle.