🚨 2002 Toyota Sequoia: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 Sequoia uses a column-mounted shifter lever with a button release on the inboard side of the lever.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the column shroud near the base of the shifter lever
- The override access is typically a small rectangular opening or removable plastic cap on the lower right side of the column shroud (viewed from the driver's seat)
- If there is a cap, carefully pry it off with a flat-blade screwdriver
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver, pen, or similar tool into the override slot and press firmly
- While holding the override tool down, press the shifter release button and move the lever to Neutral
- Remove the tool and replace any cap removed
Shift-lock override location
Near the base of the shifter lever on the column shroud, typically on the lower right side when viewed from the driver's seat; may be covered by a small plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift-lock override functions mechanically. The override physically releases the lock pawl regardless of electrical state. No battery power is required to use the override.