🚨 2006 Toyota Solara: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 Toyota Solara uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter 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 a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- 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 rectangular slot with a plastic cover directly to the left of the shifter base on the console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to remove the small plastic cover over the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and moving the shifter out of Park
- If battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be turned on, you may need to apply more force on the override while pulling the shifter - the brake pedal press may not be necessary with zero power
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover directly to the left of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock solenoid should be de-energized, but mechanical binding may still occur. Use the shift lock override slot with firm downward pressure while pulling the shifter. The ignition key may need to be in ACC position even without power to allow steering wheel movement when towing.