🚨 2014 Toyota Highlander: Emergency Neutral
The 2014 Highlander Hybrid (third generation, redesigned) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with shift-by-wire technology and an electronic parking brake.
✓ 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 vehicle is on level ground and chock all wheels - this generation has an electronic parking brake that may not hold without power.
- Press the power button twice WITHOUT pressing the brake pedal to get to ACC or ON mode (if any battery power remains).
- Locate the shift lock override cover: it's a small rectangular cap on the upper left side of the shifter base console trim, near where the shifter lever emerges.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Insert a screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release button and move the shifter toward Neutral.
- If the vehicle is completely dead, you will need to provide external 12V power first - see noPowerNotes.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap on the upper left side of the shifter base console trim, just forward and to the left of the shifter lever
With zero electrical power
The 2014+ Highlander Hybrid uses shift-by-wire and requires some 12V electrical power to disengage the shifter lock. If the 12V battery is completely dead, connect jumper cables or a jump box to the 12V battery (under the hood) to provide minimal power - you do NOT need to start the hybrid system, just power the electronics. Once 12V power is present, use the shift lock override procedure above. If no jump source is available, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed without the wheels rotating.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: This is a hybrid vehicle with electric motors permanently connected to the drivetrain. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground - even in Neutral, the electric motors will be forced to rotate and will be destroyed. This vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed truck with all wheels off the ground, or using a wheel-lift with dollies under the other axle. If you cannot shift to Neutral due to complete power loss, have the vehicle winched onto the flatbed without rolling it.