🚨 2018 Toyota Voxy: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 Voxy Hybrid uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with P-R-N-D-B positions and an integrated shift-lock system.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if any 12V power is available (this may allow normal brake-pedal shifting)
- If no power or shift-lock is still engaged, locate the shift-lock override cover - a small rectangular plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift-lock override cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shift lever from P to N
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in N position
- If the vehicle must be towed, ensure it is loaded onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the P position
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift-lock override is mechanical and will still function. However, the hybrid system will not activate and the electronic parking brake may remain engaged - you may need to manually release the EPB using the emergency release procedure in the owner's manual or have the vehicle winched onto a flatbed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID CRITICAL: The Voxy Hybrid uses an electronic transmission that requires hybrid system operation for any driven movement. With dead 12V battery, shifting to N only allows the vehicle to roll freely - DO NOT attempt to tow with wheels on the ground. The hybrid transaxle can be damaged without proper lubrication from the running hybrid system. FLATBED TOW ONLY with all wheels off the ground, or dolly with front wheels raised.