🚨 2023 Toyota Sequoia: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Sequoia (all-new third generation) uses an electronic console-mounted shift lever with a hybrid powertrain and electronic parking brake.
🧰 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 vehicle is on level ground—the electronic parking brake should be active
- If the 12V battery has any charge, press the Power button twice without pressing the brake pedal to reach ACC mode
- Locate the shift lock override: it is a small covered slot on the right side of the shifter housing near the base of the lever
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully remove the plastic cap covering the override access
- Insert the screwdriver into the slot and press down firmly while moving the shift lever to N
- The shifter should release into Neutral; keep the tool pressed while shifting
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the right side of the shifter housing near the base
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift lock override still works mechanically, but the hybrid system will NOT allow normal operation. The transmission MUST be in N for flatbed loading. DO NOT attempt to tow this hybrid with wheels on the ground—the electric motors and transmission can be damaged. Flatbed transport only.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
WARNING: The 2023+ Sequoia is a hybrid with electric motors integrated into the drivetrain. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground. The vehicle must be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground to avoid damage to the hybrid transaxle and electric drive components. With no 12V power, you cannot activate tow mode, so flatbed is the only safe option.