🚨 2020 Toyota Hilux: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Hilux uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with 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 vehicle is on level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the console—it is typically a small rectangular slot covered by a removable cap near the base of the shifter, usually on the right side.
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flat-head screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot.
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if possible) and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead, you may need to apply more force to the override—the mechanism is mechanical and should still function.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap near the shifter base on the right side of the console, adjacent to the shift lever
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and will still function. You will not be able to turn the steering wheel freely (steering lock will remain engaged), so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels on dollies or towed with front wheels raised. Do not attempt to flat-tow.