🚨 2020 Toyota Proace City PL: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Proace City uses a conventional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a physical PRNDL 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 wheel chocks are in place
- Turn the ignition to the ON or ACC position (two clicks without starting the engine) to enable electrical systems
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal
- Press the shifter release button on the side of the shift lever and move the shifter from P through R to N
- Release the brake pedal and verify the vehicle is in neutral by checking the indicator and attempting to roll slightly
- If the brake pedal interlock prevents shifting, locate the shift lock override—look for a small covered slot or access panel near the base of the shifter
- Remove the plastic cover using a flathead screwdriver or by prying gently with a trim tool
- Insert the mechanical key or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the lever to N
- Verify neutral engagement on the indicator
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot or access panel near the shifter base on the console; typical location is adjacent to or in front of the shifter lever base
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, turn the key to unlock the steering column mechanically. The shift lock override must be used: locate the small covered slot near the shifter base, remove the cover, insert a screwdriver or the mechanical key, press down firmly, and simultaneously press the shifter button while moving to neutral. If the override mechanism does not release with zero power, check for a manual release cable or secondary access point documented in the owner's manual.