These instructions apply to the Toyota Yaris Mk2 (P9) 2005-2013. For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
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If your automatic Toyota Yaris Mk2 (P9, 2005–2013) is stuck in Park and the gear selector won’t 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 recovery truck. This guide shows the emergency park-release. It is a recovery step, not a repair.
When You Need This
The automatic Yaris locks the selector 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 prevents that, the lever stays in P. The manual override frees the selector so you can select neutral.
Safety First
- Apply the parking brake or chock 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 Yaris from Park
- Apply the parking brake (or chock the wheels).
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Then, depending on your selector:
- Type 1: press the unlock button on the selector and use a screwdriver in the slot, then move the lever out of P.
- Type 2: remove the small cover beside the selector, insert the ignition key and press it into the opening, then move the lever out of P. Refit the cover.
- Move the gear lever into N.
With the car in neutral it 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. See our Yaris battery guide if that was the cause. Toyota also advise having the cause checked afterwards — look up any stored code on autodtcs.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my automatic Yaris stuck in Park?
Almost always a flat 12 V battery or a blown fuse that stops the shift-lock releasing. A brake-light switch or selector fault can do the same.
Will I damage anything using the override?
No — the shift-lock override is designed for exactly this situation. Operate it gently and refit the cover afterwards.
Which type does my car have?
Look at the selector: a dedicated unlock button means Type 1; a small prise-off cover means Type 2 (use the ignition key in the opening). Use whichever matches.
The lever moves but the car won’t roll — why?
Make sure you reached neutral, the parking brake is released and the wheels are unchocked once you are ready to move it.
To clear a service reminder after related work, see our Toyota Yaris service indicator reset guide.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general guidance only. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions when working on your vehicle. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or any damage resulting from the use of this information.
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