🚨 2025 Toyota SW4: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Toyota SW4 (Fortuner) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override cover—a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the front of the shifter housing
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover
- Press and hold the shift lock override button inside using the screwdriver or a pen while pressing the brake pedal (if power available)
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral while holding the override button
- If successful, release the override button and verify the shifter is in Neutral
- The vehicle can now be rolled or winched onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the front of the shifter housing
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. Follow the same procedure—remove the override cover and press the release button while attempting to move the shifter. You will need physical force as there will be no brake interlock assist, but the mechanical release should allow shifter movement. If the steering wheel is locked, it will remain locked without power, making flatbed transport the only safe option.