🚨 2011 Lexus ES 350: Emergency Neutral
The 2011 ES 350 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the small cover cap
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or similar rigid tool straight down into the override slot
- While holding the tool down (depressing the manual release mechanism), press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral
- If moving to Neutral, you can now release the tool and remove it from the slot
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left (driver's) side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shift lever
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Use the override slot with a tool pressed down while manually moving the shifter—no electrical power is required for the mechanical release. The ignition does not need to be in any position for the override to work.