🚨 2020 Toyota Yaris: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Yaris (fourth-generation European hatchback, TNGA-B platform) hybrid uses a small electronic shift-by-wire lever on the center console with positions for P-R-N-D-B.
✓ 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- If 12V power is available, press the START button twice without pressing the brake pedal to reach ACC or ON mode.
- Press and hold the brake pedal fully.
- Move the shift lever to N (neutral) position by pressing the button on the side of the lever (if equipped) and moving the lever to the N detent.
- If the shift lever will not move from P, locate the shift lock override—look for a small rectangular or circular cap near the shifter base, typically to the right side or just forward of the shifter.
- Pry off the override cap carefully with a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While pressing the override and holding the brake pedal, move the shift lever to N.
- Once in N, release the parking brake and the vehicle can be moved.
- Ensure the hybrid system is OFF (no READY indicator) before flatbed transport.
Shift-lock override location
Small capped slot near the shifter base, generally to the right or forward side of the shifter console—consult owner's manual for precise location as it may be partially hidden by console trim.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery and no jump-start available, the electronic shifter and shift lock solenoid will not function. The shift-lock override requires at least minimal 12V power to disengage the transmission park lock. Jump the 12V battery (located in the engine bay) to provide power, then use the shift-lock override. If no power can be provided, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with front wheels raised via wheel-lift or dollies; do NOT drag or tow with front wheels down.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID VEHICLE: The Yaris hybrid has front-wheel drive via an electric motor and gasoline engine through an eCVT. NEVER tow with front wheels on the ground if the hybrid system is powered on or if you cannot confirm neutral. Towing with wheels down can back-drive the motor/generator and cause severe damage to the hybrid transaxle and inverter. Always use a flatbed or tow with front wheels OFF the ground. For short manual pushing with confirmed power-off and neutral, proceed with extreme caution.