🚨 2017 Toyota Sequoia: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 Sequoia uses a traditional column-mounted gear selector lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small covered slot directly below and to the left of the shifter lever on the steering column shroud.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to pry off the small rectangular cover cap.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no brake pressure available, continue holding the override and pull the shifter toward you and down to Neutral position.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot located directly below and to the left of the column shifter lever on the steering column shroud.
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, the shift lock override must still be manually depressed with a tool. The override is mechanical and does not require electrical power to function. You will not have brake assist, so ensure parking brake is set and wheels chocked before attempting. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed; do not attempt to tow with wheels on the ground.