🚨 2018-2024 Toyota Camry: Emergency Neutral
The 2018-2024 Camry (8th generation) uses an electronic shift-by-wire console lever with a contemporary shift gate design.
✓ 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 (press START button without brake pedal).
- Locate the shift lock override access: there is a small rectangular slot with a removable plastic cover located forward and to the left of the shifter base.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or trim removal tool to carefully pry off the small cover cap.
- While firmly pressing the brake pedal (if electrical power is available), insert a screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override mechanism down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the plastic cover.
Shift-lock override location
Forward and to the left of the shifter base—a small rectangular opening covered by a removable plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override still allows shifter movement. Press the override mechanism down with a tool while moving the shifter to Neutral—you do not need brake pedal pressure when there is no power. The shift-by-wire electronics are unpowered, but the mechanical release allows physical movement of the shifter into Neutral.