🚨 2015 Toyota RAV4: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 RAV4 uses a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock for its 6-speed automatic transmission (not CVT in most markets).
✓ 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 level ground and parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Locate the shift lock override access—it is a small rectangular slot covered by a removable plastic cap, located directly forward of the shifter base in the center console.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release button and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- The shifter can now be moved to Neutral without brake pedal pressure or electrical power.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap located directly forward of the shifter base in the center console.
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, remove the override slot cap, insert a screwdriver into the slot, press down, and shift to Neutral. The mechanical override works without any electrical power.