🚨 2023 Toyota Crown: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Japanese-market Crown hybrid (all-new S230 generation) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with shift-by-wire technology and 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—on the all-new 2023 Crown this is typically a small cap-covered slot in the shifter console area.
- 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 in the shifter console area, typically near the shifter base; exact location varies by trim and should be confirmed in the owner's manual as the all-new 2023 Crown uses updated interior architecture.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the mechanical shift-lock override should still function, but the shift-by-wire system may have limited or no function. The hybrid system will not be in READY mode, so steering and braking assist will be absent. Flatbed towing is mandatory.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a hybrid vehicle with shift-by-wire transmission controls. 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 towing only. Even in N, the hybrid system may not properly disengage drive components without 12V power. If the 12V auxiliary battery is dead, the vehicle must be towed on a flatbed.