Putting suv into neutral after battery/alternator dies???,

[mustangaustin34]

Currently on the road on business and my 4runner died,,,probably a bad battery/alternator. Problem is I am parked in between 2 cars so I can't jumpstart it. BIGGER PROBLEM: I was planning on putting it in neutral and let it roll out, but I can't pop the automatic transmission into neutral. I've tried everything: put the key in, pushed the brake pedal all the way in, wiggled the steering wheel but it is not budging. Years ago I read somewhere that there is something else that you can push (or do) to be able to put the stick into neutral. Any help would be much appreciative.

 

[offshorebear]

I'll give you a quick reply but I only have had a 4th gen.

On the 4th gen there is a little plastic cover next to the shifter. You pry off this cover to access the little button that lets you shift out of park. Maybe the 3rd gen has a similar set up.

 

[BTO]

Your could call your insurance tow. He'll pull up beside and jump it. Better yet change the battery right there. If you don't have any tools you can borrow them from the parts store. If it's the alternator the 4r will die as soon as you disconnect the jump vehicle.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Currently on the road on business and my 4runner died,,,probably a bad battery/alternator. Problem is I am parked in between 2 cars so I can't jumpstart it. BIGGER PROBLEM: I was planning on putting it in neutral and let it roll out, but I can't pop the automatic transmission into neutral. I've tried everything: put the key in, pushed the brake pedal all the way in, wiggled the steering wheel but it is not budging. Years ago I read somewhere that there is something else that you can push (or do) to be able to put the stick into neutral. Any help would be much appreciative.

There's a release near the shifter. Check your owner's manual, it will show you where it is and how to activate it. AFAIK all automatic transmissions have these.

 

[mustangaustin34]

Thanks for all the help...I actually connected 2 sets of jumper cables to reach my vehicle and it started right up. Obviously not the safest thing to do but I was in a pinch. Dropped it off at a shop down the street and we tested it and it's getting a new alternator installed. Thanks again.