🚨 2022 Toyota Yaris: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Yaris (depending on market, this is either the GRMN/GR Yaris or rebadged Mazda2 in some regions) typically uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a PRNDL gate.
✓ 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 vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- If the battery has some power, turn the ignition to ON (or ACC) position without starting the engine
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the shifter will not move due to a failed shift interlock or dead battery, locate the shift lock override release
- The shift lock override is accessed by removing a small trim cap on the shifter assembly - look for a small rectangular or circular cover near the base of the shifter, typically on the left side or front of the shifter boot
- Use a small flat-head screwdriver or key to pry off the cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, release the override and the vehicle can be moved
Shift-lock override location
Small removable trim cap near the base of the shifter console, typically on the left side or forward of the shifter boot; look for a rectangular or circular cover approximately 1/2 inch in size
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V battery power, the ignition will not turn on, but the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Use the override procedure above to release the shifter from Park. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle can only roll straight or must be steered manually by unlocking the steering (key in ignition, turn slightly while moving wheel). For loading onto a flatbed, the override method is sufficient to achieve Neutral.