🚨 2015 Toyota Camry: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Camry Hybrid uses a traditional console-mounted PRNDL shift 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 the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover located on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cover cap.
- While firmly pressing the brake pedal (if electrical power is available), insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If successful, remove the tool and replace the cover cap.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side—a small rectangular slot covered by a removable plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will mechanically release the shifter. You do not need the brake pedal pressed in this case—just press the override and shift to Neutral. The hybrid system will not power on, but the mechanical release allows shifter movement.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID VEHICLE: The 12V battery powers all shift-lock systems. If towing, place the vehicle in Neutral and use a flatbed or tow dolly with FRONT wheels off the ground. Do NOT flat-tow this hybrid with rear wheels on the ground for extended distances—the electric motor is connected to the drivetrain and towing in this manner can cause severe damage. For distances over 1 mile, use a flatbed.