These instructions apply to the Toyota RAV4 Mk4 (XA40) 2013-2018.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If your automatic Toyota RAV4 (XA40, 2013–2018) is stuck in Park and the gear selector will not move — usually because of a flat 12 V battery, a blown fuse or a shift-interlock fault — you can release it manually so the car can be rolled or loaded onto a trailer. This guide shows the emergency park-release for the RAV4 CVT/automatic. It is a recovery step, not a repair.
When You Need This
On the automatic RAV4 the selector is locked in P until the car has power, your foot is on the brake and the electronics release the shift-lock. If the battery is dead or a fault stops that happening, the lever stays in P and the parking lock keeps the car immobile. The shift-lock override lets you select neutral mechanically.
Safety First
- Apply the parking brake or block the wheels before releasing — the car can roll once it is in neutral.
- Work on level ground, or with the car already secured on a recovery vehicle.
How to Release the RAV4 from Park
- Apply the parking brake or block the wheels.
- Next to the gear selector, prise off the small plastic cover over the shift-lock override slot.
- Insert a screwdriver and press the unlock button in the slot to release the shift-lock.
- With the button pressed, move the gear lever out of position P (into N). The parking lock is now released.
- Refit the cover. The car can be rolled or winched — keep it braked or chocked until it is secured.
After the Emergency Release
This only frees the car — it does not fix the cause. The most common reason is a flat or failing 12 V battery; once power is restored the selector works normally. If the battery was the cause, see our RAV4 battery disconnect/reconnect guide. If the battery is healthy but it keeps sticking, a fault will be stored — look it up on autodtcs.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my automatic RAV4 stuck in Park?
Almost always a flat 12 V battery or blown fuse that prevents the shift-lock releasing. A brake-light switch or selector fault can do the same.
Does this apply to a manual RAV4?
No — only the automatic/CVT has a Park position and this override. A manual is freed simply by selecting neutral.
Will I damage anything?
No — the shift-lock override is designed for exactly this. Press gently and refit the cover afterwards.
The lever moves but the car won’t roll — why?
Make sure you reached neutral, the parking brake is off and the wheels are unblocked once you are ready to move.
To clear a service reminder after related work, see our Toyota RAV4 service indicator reset guide.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Toyota. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.