{"id":32134,"date":"2024-11-11T04:27:03","date_gmt":"2024-11-11T12:27:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getjerry.com\/wp-site\/?post_type=car-repair&p=32134"},"modified":"2024-11-18T13:18:52","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T21:18:52","slug":"how-do-i-put-a-subaru-in-neutral-with-a-dead-battery","status":"publish","type":"car-repair","link":"https:\/\/jerry.ai\/car-repair\/how-do-i-put-a-subaru-in-neutral-with-a-dead-battery\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Put a Subaru into Neutral With a Dead Battery?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Question:<\/strong> I didn\u2019t drive my Subaru for a while and now its battery is dead. However, it\u2019s angled in a way that I can\u2019t get a good look at the battery or remove it for testing. Is there a way to put a Subaru into Neutral if it has a dead battery?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Answer:<\/strong> If your Subaru battery dies and you\u2019re parked in a way that makes it difficult to jumpstart your vehicle or access the engine compartment, you might feel like you\u2019re stuck. Fortunately, pressing the Shift Lock (or manual gear shift override) button on your Subaru will allow you to shift into Neutral, even with a dead battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process may look a little different depending on which model you drive. The first technique should work for most Subaru models, including the Impreza, Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester. Use the second set of steps if you drive a Legacy or Outback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to release the Shift Lock on most Subarus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For this method, you\u2019ll need to grab a flathead screwdriver. It needs to be at least 4\u201d long, so the screwdriver that comes equipped with your Subaru won\u2019t be long enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Look for a small, centimeter-wide plastic cap near your gear shifter.<\/strong> On some models, this will be near the P (\u201cPark\u201d) indicator, but it can vary depending on which Subaru you drive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Use a flathead screwdriver to pop the plastic cap off of the Shift Lock.<\/strong> Use caution so you don\u2019t scratch your gear shift panel, but the cap should come off easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Push the screwdriver into the opening.<\/strong> After you remove the cap, you\u2019ll see a small hole in the gear shift panel. Use the screwdriver to press the button at the bottom of the hole. Do not remove the screwdriver.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Press the brake pedal, then shift into Neutral.<\/strong> You should now be able to roll your car forward to make it easier to jump-start or repair.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    How to release the Shift Lock on Subaru Legacy or Outback<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can use the screwdriver that comes equipped with your Subaru for this method\u2014but if you don\u2019t have it, any flathead screwdriver will work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Empty out the front compartment of your center console where the USB ports are located.<\/strong> If you have chargers plugged in or any small items stored in that compartment, remove them before you get started.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Remove the rubber mat at the bottom of the compartment.<\/strong> If you have trouble removing the mat, use your flathead screwdriver to pry the top of it away from the back wall of the compartment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Look for a circular hole in the bottom of the compartment.<\/strong> You\u2019ll see three rectangular notches\u2014those are the grooves that hold the mat in place. The circular hole is where the Shift Lock button is located.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Press your foot on the brake, then stick the screwdriver into the round hole.<\/strong> You\u2019ll feel a button at the bottom of the hole\u2014use the screwdriver to press that button.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Shift your Subaru into Neutral.<\/strong> With the screwdriver still on the button and your foot on the brake, operate your gear shifter as normal. Your vehicle is now in Neutral.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Hopefully that helps, but if it doesn\u2019t, you probably need to have your car towed to your local dealership or a licensed mechanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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