🚨 2024 Lexus ES 300h: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 ES 300h uses an electronic gear selector (shift-by-wire) with a small console-mounted lever that returns to center after each selection.
✓ 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 if functional.
- The ES 300h requires some electrical power to shift. If you have a dead 12V battery, jump-start the vehicle or connect an external power source to the 12V battery (under hood) to restore minimal electrical function.
- Once power is restored, press the brake pedal and press the Power button to enter Accessory or ON mode (you do NOT need the hybrid system to be READY).
- With brake depressed and power on, move the shift lever to N (Neutral) by pushing it upward briefly—the lever will return to center.
- Verify 'N' is displayed on the instrument cluster or center display.
- If the shift lever will not respond even with power restored, check for a shift lock override slot: look for a small rectangular or circular cover near the base of the shifter on the console. Pry off the cover with a flat tool.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shift lever to N.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small cover near the base of the shifter on the center console (typically to the right or front of the shifter base); exact location may vary slightly by trim.
With zero electrical power
The ES 300h electronic shifter will NOT operate with zero electrical power. You must jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external 12V source to gain Accessory power. The hybrid system does not need to be in READY mode, but the vehicle must be able to power the shifter module.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID VEHICLE: Do NOT tow with drive wheels on the ground for any distance. The hybrid transaxle can be damaged if towed improperly. FLATBED TOW ONLY or use a wheel dolly/trailer for the front wheels. Ensure Neutral is selected before loading. If the 12V battery is completely dead and cannot be jump-started, the vehicle may need to be winched onto the flatbed in Park.