🚨 2021 Toyota Sequoia: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Sequoia uses a traditional console-mounted PRNDL shift 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 vehicle is on level ground and parking brake is firmly set
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and push down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it to Neutral
- If successful, the shifter will release and you can move it to N; keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, driver's side
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You will NOT be able to use the ignition or steering lock release, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels free. Do not attempt to tow with the driveline engaged.