🚨 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 ES 250 AWD uses an electronic console-mounted shift lever with a shift-lock button integrated into the shifter handle.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 engaged and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery power is available (skip if completely dead).
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: Look for a small rectangular cover/cap on the console directly forward (toward the dashboard) of the shifter base, near the P position.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and the shifter button.
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral while maintaining pressure on the override.
- If successful, the shifter will move to Neutral and the vehicle can be rolled or towed.
- Replace the override cover after moving the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover located on the console forward of the shifter base, near the P position on the shift gate.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with the override. In this case: (1) Attempt a jump-start to provide minimal 12V power, even briefly, to allow the shift-lock to disengage. (2) If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with dollies or dragged onto the bed—the transmission cannot be placed in Neutral mechanically without any electrical power in this electronic shifter design.