🚨 2021 Toyota Century: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Century hybrid uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with an electronic shift-by-wire system and shift lock button on the shifter handle.
✓ 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.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if 12V battery power is available.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shift lock release button on the right side of the shifter handle while pulling the shifter toward you to move out of Park.
- If no electrical power is available, locate the shift lock override slot—look for a small rectangular cap or cover on the console trim surrounding the shifter base, typically toward the front-right of the shifter.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the mechanical key blade to remove the override cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter out of Park.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular override slot typically located on the console trim near the front-right of the shifter base, accessed by removing a small cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the hybrid system will not activate. Use the mechanical shift lock override slot with a tool to physically release the shifter pawl. The override mechanism is purely mechanical and does not require battery power.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The Century hybrid cannot be towed with drive wheels on the ground under any circumstances. The electric motors and transaxle will be damaged. Always use a flatbed or wheel-lift with rear wheels off the ground. Do not attempt to roll the vehicle more than necessary for loading—push/pull only the minimum distance onto the flatbed.