🚨 1998 Toyota Chaser: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 Chaser uses a column-mounted shifter with mechanical shift-lock controlled by brake pedal input.
✓ 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
- Locate the shift-lock override release - look for a small slot or opening on the lower right side of the steering column shroud near the shifter stalk, typically covered by a rubber plug or small cap
- Remove the cap or plug if present
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar thin tool into the override slot
- Push the tool inward/upward (toward the steering column) to depress the mechanical shift-lock release
- While holding the override depressed, move the column shifter from Park to Neutral
- Remove the tool; vehicle can now roll freely
Shift-lock override location
Small slot on the lower right side of the steering column shroud near the base of the shifter stalk, may be covered by a rubber plug
With zero electrical power
The 1998 Chaser column shifter uses a mechanical shift-lock system. With no electrical power, the override slot still functions fully - insert the tool and depress the release while moving the shifter to Neutral. No power is required for the mechanical override.