🚨 1991 Toyota MR2: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 MR2 (SW20) uses a traditional floor-mounted automatic shifter with a T-pattern (P-R-N-D-2-L) and a button on the shifter handle.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small covered opening on the left side of the shifter base, near where the shifter meets the console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or a key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the button on the shifter handle and move the shifter to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cap once the vehicle is moved.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base at console level, under a small plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, you cannot turn the ignition key to ACC/ON position. The shift lock override is mechanical and will still function—simply insert the tool into the override slot and hold it while shifting to Neutral. The shifter button is also mechanical and does not require power.