🚨 2000 Toyota MR2: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 MR2 Spyder uses a conventional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key to carefully pry off the small rubber or plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool straight down into the override slot
- While pressing down firmly on the tool to depress the shift lock override mechanism, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the brake pedal cannot be pressed, continue holding the override down and apply firm forward pressure on the shifter - it should release into Neutral
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the P position gate
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override is purely mechanical and will still function. You do not need any battery power to use the override slot - simply remove the cap, insert a tool, press down, and shift to Neutral. The ignition does not need to be in any position.