🚨 2023 Toyota RAV4: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 RAV4 Hybrid uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with a push-button P (Park) on top of the shifter knob.
✓ 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 wheel chocks are in place.
- Turn the ignition to ON (press START button twice without brake pedal) to provide power to the shifter electronics.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the push-button P (Park) on top of the shifter knob to release from Park.
- Move the shifter to N (Neutral) position.
- If the shift interlock is preventing movement despite brake application, locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small covered slot near the base of the shifter console, typically on the right side or front-right corner.
- Remove the small cap covering the override slot (use a flat tool or your fingernail).
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter to N.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the shifter base, typically on the right side or front-right corner of the shifter console assembly.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter will not function at all. You must either jump-start the 12V battery (located under the hood) to provide power to the shifter electronics, or the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed with the wheels off the ground. The shift lock override requires at least some electrical power to release the shifter mechanism on this electronic shifter design.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID-SPECIFIC: The RAV4 Hybrid has an electric AWD rear axle. For towing, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground, or with only the rear wheels on a dolly (front wheels on the ground). NEVER tow with front wheels raised and rear wheels on the ground, as this will spin the electric motor and cause severe damage. If moving short distances in Neutral with own wheels, do not exceed 35 mph and limit to emergency situations only. Consult the owner's manual towing section before any tow operation.