🚨 2013 Lexus ES 300h: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 ES 300h (first year of 6th generation XV60) uses an electronic console-mounted shift lever with electronic park lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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
- Engage the parking brake firmly.
- Ensure the hybrid system is OFF (not READY mode).
- If the 12V auxiliary battery has any charge, press the POWER button to ACC mode without pressing the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift-lock override access—a small rectangular cover panel on the right side of the shifter base on the center console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Press and hold the brake pedal (if power available) or proceed to next step if no power.
- Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the shift-lock override slot beneath the cover.
- While pressing the override mechanism down with the tool, move the shifter to Neutral.
- For towing: Neutral is only suitable for short-distance movement. For flatbed towing, ensure all wheels are OFF the ground.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the right side of the shifter base on the center console, approximately 1-2 inches from the shifter lever itself
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V auxiliary battery, the hybrid system cannot enter READY mode. Use the mechanical shift-lock override: remove the small cover to the right of the shifter base, insert a screwdriver into the slot, and press firmly downward while moving the shifter to Neutral. This mechanically releases the shift lock without requiring electrical power. Note that even in Neutral, the electric parking brake may remain engaged if the 12V battery is completely dead—you may need to manually release the EPB calipers or load onto a flatbed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID CRITICAL: The ES 300h has an electronic transmission. Neutral allows only SHORT-DISTANCE movement (onto a flatbed or out of traffic). DO NOT tow the ES 300h with wheels on the ground—the electric drive motors will be damaged. Always use a flatbed with all four wheels OFF the ground. If the electronic parking brake (EPB) will not release due to dead battery, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed using wheel dollies or by manually releasing the EPB calipers.