🚨 1994 Toyota Paseo: Emergency Neutral
The 1994 Paseo uses a conventional console-mounted automatic shifter with a button on the front of the shift knob and a mechanical shift lock system.
✓ 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 has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable plastic cap, located on the left side of the shifter base console, near the front of the shift gate.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal end of the ignition key to carefully pry off the plastic cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position.
- If the vehicle must be moved any distance, verify the steering wheel can be turned (steering lock may engage without key power).
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base console, small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap, positioned near the front of the shift gate
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override still functions mechanically - you do not need battery power to use it. However, the steering wheel lock may engage when the key is removed. To move the vehicle with no power: use the override as described, keep the key in the ACC position to prevent steering lock, and ensure you have adequate manual steering effort available as power steering will not function.