🚨 2000 Lexus ES 300: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 ES 300 uses a column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a mechanical shift lock interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if you have any battery power.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small covered opening on the left side of the shifter assembly on the steering column, below the shifter lever.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the key to pry off the small plastic cover over the override slot.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similarly sized tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override tool down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle must be towed, place the shifter in Neutral and ensure the parking brake is released before loading.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the column shifter assembly, below the shift lever
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical override will still function. You will not be able to turn the ignition key to ACC, but the shift lock override slot can be accessed and used with a screwdriver to mechanically release the shifter. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels straight or use a steering wheel lock bypass if wheels need to turn.