🚨 2022 Toyota Crown: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Japanese-market Crown hybrid uses a conventional console-mounted automatic shifter 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 any 12V power is available (this may allow normal shift-lock release via the brake pedal).
- If no power or brake switch has failed, locate the shift-lock override slot—typically a small rectangular or circular cap near the base of the shifter console.
- Remove the override cap by prying gently with a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool.
- Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from P to N.
- Replace the override cap after shifting to N.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap-covered slot typically located adjacent to the shifter base on the console, often on the left or front side of the shifter surround; consult owner's manual for exact position as trim-specific variations exist.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift-lock override is mechanical and does not require battery power. However, the hybrid system will not be in READY mode, so steering and braking assist will be absent—use extreme caution and flatbed towing is strongly recommended.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a hybrid vehicle. Do NOT tow with drive wheels on the ground under any circumstances—the electric motor/generator and hybrid transaxle can be severely damaged. Use flatbed or wheel-lift with rear wheels raised only. Even in N, prolonged towing with wheels down will destroy the hybrid system. If the 12V auxiliary battery is dead, the hybrid system cannot enter READY mode and the vehicle must be towed on a flatbed.