🚨 2026 Toyota Century: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 Century hybrid uses a traditional console-mounted PRND gate shifter with electronic shift-lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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
- Locate the shift-lock override slot - it is typically covered by a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if 12V power is available) or without brake if no power
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace the cap; vehicle can now roll freely
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular capped slot on the left side of the shifter base, driver's side of the center console
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the override slot still functions mechanically. Insert tool into override slot and push down firmly while moving shifter to Neutral without pressing brake. The hybrid system does not need to be 'on' to release the shifter mechanically.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a hybrid vehicle. If the hybrid system has fault codes or the high-voltage battery is depleted, the vehicle may enter a protected tow mode. For flatbed transport, ensure all four wheels are on the deck or use wheel dollies for the drive wheels. Do NOT tow with drive wheels on the ground for extended distances as the electric motor(s) are connected to the drivetrain and can generate dangerous voltage or suffer damage.