🚨 1990 Lexus ES 250: Emergency Neutral
The 1990 ES 250 uses a traditional column-mounted shift lever with a mechanical cable linkage and a shift-lock solenoid.
✓ 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 vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position (or as far as it will turn if the battery is dead).
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- If the shifter does not release, locate the shift-lock override: on early 1990s Lexus column shifters, there is typically a small access hole or slot on the lower part of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shift lever.
- You may need to remove or pry open a small plastic cover or cap to access the override.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press or push in the direction indicated (usually toward the steering wheel or downward).
- While holding the override depressed, move the shift lever from Park to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Lower steering column shroud near the shift lever base; typically a small access hole or slot, possibly covered by a cap.
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, the ignition key will not turn fully to ON, and the steering wheel will remain locked. The shift-lock override will still mechanically release the shifter into Neutral, but the steering lock must be dealt with separately (typically by turning the wheel slightly while turning the key, or by unlocking the column mechanically). For dead-battery situations, a flatbed tow is safest.