🚨 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 Land Cruiser FJ62 uses a column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a mechanical shift lock system.
🧰 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 vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the key to ACC or ON position if battery has any remaining charge.
- Locate the shift lock override button on the steering column—it is typically a small button or tab on the right side of the column near the shifter mechanism.
- Press and hold the override button or tab while simultaneously moving the column shifter towards Neutral.
- If no button is visible, look for a small access hole near the base of the shifter on the column; insert a small screwdriver to depress the internal lock mechanism.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small button or tab on the right side of the steering column near the shifter, or an access hole at the shifter base on the column
With zero electrical power
The 1990 FJ62 shift lock is mechanical and cable-operated, so it will function without battery power. The main limitation is the key-operated ignition lock; turn the key to ACC to unlock the steering column.