🚨 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser: Emergency Neutral
The 1999 Land Cruiser (100-series) uses a traditional column-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift lock activated by the brake pedal.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position (if battery allows)
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small covered opening on the right side of the column shroud near the base of the shifter lever
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while pulling the shifter toward you into Neutral
- If successful, the shifter will release and move freely to Neutral
- If moving to a flatbed, keep the override tool pressed while shifting through to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the column shroud near the shifter base, under a small plastic cover
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock mechanism remains mechanical and the override should still function. You will not be able to turn the key to ACC/ON, but the override bypass allows shifting without power. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be towed or dollied - it cannot be pushed or rolled any significant distance.