🚨 2016 Lexus CT 200h: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 CT 200h uses an electronic shift-by-wire system with a small console-mounted lever that returns to center position after each shift input.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground.
- The shift lock override slot is located on the center console to the left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cap.
- With the ignition in ACC mode (press Power button once without brake pedal), insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to N (neutral) position.
- If the hybrid system powers up, the shifter will engage neutral; if not, the override allows mechanical release of the shift lock solenoid.
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
- Replace the override cap when finished.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base on the center console, under a small rectangular plastic cap approximately 1 inch by 0.5 inches.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the shift lock override slot can still be accessed mechanically. Remove the cap and insert a tool into the slot while attempting to move the shifter. However, the electronic transmission may not fully engage neutral without at least ACC power. Consider jump-starting the 12V battery (located in the rear cargo area under the floor) to get ACC power, then use the override procedure. If no jump start is available, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with dollies under the front wheels.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The CT 200h is a front-wheel-drive hybrid. The electric motors and internal combustion engine are connected to the front wheels through the hybrid transaxle. NEVER tow this vehicle with the front wheels on the ground for any distance, even in neutral, as the electronic CVT lacks a true mechanical neutral and the wheels will turn internal components without lubrication. Always use a flatbed or wheel-lift with dollies under the front wheels. For short movements (onto a flatbed), neutral is acceptable, but DO NOT roll more than a few feet.