🚨 2018 Toyota Hilux: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Hilux (AN120/AN130 generation) uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with mechanical shift lock interlock.
🧰 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 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 - a small rectangular or square cover on the console near the shifter base, typically on the left side
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override depressed, press the brake pedal if possible and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power available, maintain pressure on the override and shift to Neutral without brake - may require firm pressure
- Replace the cover after completing the shift
Shift-lock override location
Small cover near the left side of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override is purely mechanical. Press and hold the override button/slot while moving the shifter - the interlock solenoid will not resist when mechanically bypassed. No electrical power is required for the override to function.