🚨 2022 Toyota Noah: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Noah Hybrid (fourth generation, R90) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter, redesigned for this new generation, with a P-R-N-D-B gate pattern.
✓ 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any remaining charge (press power button twice without brake pedal).
- Locate the shift-lock override access - look for a small removable cap or slot near the shifter base on the left side or front left corner of the shifter assembly.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key from your smart key to remove the cap if present.
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and the shifter button, then move the shifter from P to N.
- The shifter should move to N; you may now release the override.
Shift-lock override location
Check the left side or front-left corner of the redesigned shifter base for a small cap covering the override slot - exact location not confirmed for this new generation
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with the override. Jump-start the 12V battery (under hood or auxiliary battery location per owner's manual) to provide minimal power for the shift-lock solenoid, then use the override procedure. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID VEHICLE: The transmission will lock in P without 12V power. The hybrid system does not need to be READY to shift to N, but the 12V battery must have some charge. Never tow with drive wheels on the ground - the electric motors can generate voltage and damage the hybrid system. Always flatbed tow or dolly with front wheels raised.