To put a Toyota Supra in neutral for towing, the car needs electrical power. Press the brake, turn the ignition on without starting the engine if needed, select N, release the electric parking brake and confirm N on the display.
Ask for a flatbed. Towing with the drive wheels rolling on the road can damage the transmission. Steps differ by transmission and model year, so confirm them in your owner manual.
Before You Start
- Park on level ground with the wheels straight, if the car can still move safely.
- Keep the key fob inside the car.
- Tell the tow operator you have a low, rear-wheel-drive sports car and ask for a flatbed with a low-angle ramp.
- Do not fit a dolly or lift the car by the bumpers or suspension arms.
How to Put a Toyota Supra in Neutral for Towing
These are general steps for an automatic GR Supra with the electronic shifter. Your car may differ, so treat the manual as the final word.
- Sit in the driver seat with the door closed.
- Switch the ignition on without starting the engine (on most push-button cars, press Start without touching the brake), or follow the manual for your model year.
- Press the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the shifter to N and watch for N in the instrument cluster.
- Release the electric parking brake with its switch while the brake pedal is pressed. Confirm its indicator goes out.
- Check that the display still shows N, then let the operator load the car promptly.
On a manual Supra, press the clutch, select neutral and release the parking brake. The same flatbed advice applies.
If It Will Not Stay in Neutral
- Brake pedal: Press it firmly while moving the shifter.
- Ignition state: Make sure ignition is on, but the engine does not need to run.
- Door and seat belt: Some electronic shifters return to Park when the driver door opens, so keep it closed until the car is loaded.
- Weak 12-volt battery: A low battery can block the shifter. Jump-start it or get roadside help.
- Parking brake: It may reapply when the car goes back to P. Check the indicator again.
You may see online tips about unplugging an injector or coil pack to force a no-start condition. That is not a Toyota procedure and can cause new faults, so skip it.
Towing Safety
- Use a flatbed whenever possible.
- Never tow with the rear wheels on the ground unless the manual explicitly allows it.
- Use the tow eye only as the manual directs, and not for lifting.
- Do not stand in front of or behind the car during loading.
- If the car has an accident-related fault, ask the operator for extra care.
See also our Supra towing and transport guide and the jack points guide if you also need to raise the car.
Final Checks
| Check | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Shifter | N is shown on the display |
| Parking brake | Indicator is off |
| Straps | Operator uses proper tie-down points |
| Keys | Fob is with you or the operator |
| Manual | Towing section matches your model year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a Toyota Supra with the rear wheels on the ground?
Avoid it. The GR Supra is rear-wheel drive, and rolling the drive wheels with the engine off can damage an automatic transmission. Ask for a flatbed, and check the towing section of your owner manual.
Does the Supra need a flatbed tow truck?
A flatbed is the safest choice for a low sports car with a rear-drive automatic. It keeps all four wheels off the road and reduces the risk of drivetrain and bumper damage.
How long does the Supra stay in neutral?
The time is not something to count on. Some electronic shifters return to Park after a timeout or when you open the driver door, so have the tow operator ready to load the car right after you select N.
Where is the tow hook on a Toyota Supra?
Look in the owner manual for the tow eye and its mounting point. Many cars hide the socket behind a small cover on the bumper. Use it only as the manual allows, and never for lifting the car.
Can a Toyota Supra pull a trailer?
Toyota does not market the GR Supra as a tow vehicle. Check the towing section of the owner manual for any rating or restriction before hitching anything to it.
What if my Supra will not come out of Park?
Check that the brake pedal is pressed, the ignition is on and the 12-volt battery is healthy. A weak battery can stop an electronic shifter from working. If it still will not move, call roadside assistance or a Toyota dealer instead of forcing it.
Bottom Line
Power the car, press the brake, select N, release the parking brake and use a flatbed. If anything fails to respond, stop and call roadside assistance instead of forcing the shifter.
