🚨 2017 Toyota Hiace: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Toyota Hiace uses a traditional column-mounted shifter on the right side of the steering column (Japanese market configuration).
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 key to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot, typically covered by a small rectangular cap near the base of the column shifter assembly
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to remove the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral
- If successful, the shifter should move freely to N position
- Keep brake pedal depressed throughout the process
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap-covered slot near the base of the column shifter assembly, typically on the lower side or front face of the shifter mechanism
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override slot will still function mechanically. You do not need electrical power to use the override mechanism - simply remove the cap, insert tool into the slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The key does not need to be turned.