🚨 2005 Toyota Highlander: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 Highlander uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the front of the shift knob for gear changes.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cap directly to the left of the shifter base on the console, near the driver's side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the tool down in the override slot, press the button on the shift knob and move the shifter to Neutral
- Keep your foot on the brake during this process if the vehicle has any electrical power
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap directly to the left of the shifter base on the console, driver's side
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You do not need ignition power to use the override slot. The override physically releases the shifter lock, allowing movement to Neutral without any electrical systems active.