Use the Shift-Lock Override

If your automatic Hilux has a flat battery or a shift-lock fault, the lever can be stuck in P and the truck cannot be rolled onto a trailer or recovery truck. A hidden shift-lock override button next to the lever releases it.

Normally the lever only moves out of P with the ignition on and the brake pressed. Use the override only as an emergency measure.

Releasing the shift lock

1. Firmly set the parking brake.
2. Turn the engine switch off (or to LOCK on vehicles without smart entry).
3. Depress the brake pedal and hold it.
4. Pry up the small cover beside the shift lever with a flathead screwdriver — wrap the tip in a rag so you do not mark the trim.
5. Press and hold the shift-lock override button underneath; the lever will now move out of P while the button is held.

Keep your foot on the brake the whole time — if you press the accelerator by mistake with the lever coming out of P, the truck can lurch forward. Once you are done, a shift-lock that will not release normally needs inspecting.

FAQ

The lever will not leave P even with the engine running and brake pressed. That points to a shift-lock system fault — use the override to move the vehicle, then have it checked.

Where is the button? Under a small lift-up cover on the shifter surround, right next to the lever.

For a related transmission fault code, look it up on autodtcs.com.