🚨 2022 Toyota Hiace: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Japanese-market Hiace uses a traditional column-mounted shift lever with a push-button shift lock release.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 applied and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override button on the right side of the column shifter near the base of the lever.
- Press and hold the shift lock override button while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if power available) or without brake (if override allows).
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral while holding the override button.
- Release the override button once in Neutral.
- If vehicle must be moved without any electrical power, see no-power notes below.
Shift-lock override location
Small button on the right side of the column shifter base near where it meets the steering column
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the column shifter on these models typically requires removing the lower steering column cover to access the mechanical shift lock cable or lever. Look for a small release mechanism near the shifter base that can be manually actuated. If unable to locate, the vehicle must be dollied or winched onto a flatbed with wheels locked.