🚨 2016 Toyota SW4: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 Toyota SW4 (Fortuner in some markets) has a modern console-mounted electronic automatic shifter with P-R-N-D gate and electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if possible (even with weak battery).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override - look for a small rectangular or circular cap near the shifter base on the console.
- Pry off or open the override cover with a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position.
Shift-lock override location
Look for a small removable cap or cover on the console near the shifter base, typically to the left or front-left of the shifter assembly. The override slot is underneath this cap.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override is your only option. Remove the override cover near the shifter base, insert a tool into the slot, and press down firmly while moving the shifter to Neutral. The mechanical override bypasses the electronic solenoid lock. You may need to use significant force.