🚨 2018 Lexus ES 300h: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 ES 300h uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift-lock.
✓ 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 to ACC or ON position (press start button twice without brake pedal if possible)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a removable cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, just forward of the shift knob
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small cover cap
- Press the brake pedal fully
- Insert the screwdriver or similar tool straight down into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter back toward N
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed (follow hybrid towing precautions)
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base, just forward of the shift knob, behind a small rectangular cover cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift-lock override will NOT work on this hybrid because the transmission shift solenoid requires electrical power. The vehicle must be placed on a flatbed or dollies without shifting to neutral. Do not attempt to tow with drive wheels on the ground.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL HYBRID WARNING: The ES 300h must NOT be towed with any wheels on the ground for any distance if you cannot shift to neutral. The hybrid transaxle will generate electricity when wheels turn and can cause severe damage or fire risk with a dead system. Flatbed tow only if shift-lock cannot be released. If successfully shifted to neutral with power available, front wheels may turn but limit to 35 mph and under 50 miles per Toyota/Lexus hybrid towing guidelines.