🚨 2022 Toyota Tacoma: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Tacoma uses a traditional console-mounted lever 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ACC or ON position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap directly forward (toward the dashboard) of the shifter base on the left side.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small plastic cover cap.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If no brake power assist, you may need to press harder on the brake while holding the override.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cover cap located directly forward of the shifter base on the left side of the shifter console.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, you cannot turn the ignition to ACC. The shift lock override is mechanical and will still function: remove the cover cap, insert a tool into the override slot, press down firmly, and shift to Neutral. The shifter will mechanically release. You will have no brake assist, so press the brake pedal very hard.