🚨 2023 Toyota Prius: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Prius (all-new XW60 generation) uses an electronic console-mounted shift lever with a small pushbutton on the side.
✓ 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and parking brake is set.
- Locate the shift lock override—examine the area immediately surrounding the shifter base on the console for a small cap or cover (typically on the right side or front of the shifter base).
- Pry up the override cover with a trim tool or flathead screwdriver to expose the override slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the pushbutton on the shifter and move it to Neutral.
- If you have ANY 12V power (even from a jump box), connect it to the 12V battery (location may differ from previous generation—check under hood or rear cargo area), turn ignition to ON, and shift normally—this is easier than the override.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely; keep your foot on the brake or set chocks.
Shift-lock override location
Near the shifter base on the console, likely under a small cover on the right or front side of the shifter—exact location not yet widely documented for this new generation.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not function normally. You MUST use the mechanical shift lock override slot near the shifter base. If you cannot locate the override or it does not work, the vehicle cannot be shifted and must be dragged onto a flatbed with wheels off the ground. If you have a jump box or jumper cables, connect 12V power first (check owner's manual for 12V battery location in this new generation) and use the ignition method instead.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The 2023 Prius hybrid system must be in tow mode or the vehicle will suffer severe damage if towed with wheels on the ground. With no 12V power, you CANNOT enable tow mode (requires READY mode). For flatbed recovery with dead battery: use the shift override to get to Neutral, then winch onto flatbed with ALL FOUR wheels off the ground. DO NOT tow this vehicle with any wheels on the pavement unless 12V power is restored, the hybrid system is in READY mode, and the shift lever is in Neutral. Tow trucks should use wheel dollies or a flatbed only. Note: The 2023 Prius also offers a plug-in Prime variant with larger battery—same towing restrictions apply.