🚨 2020 Lexus ES 350: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 ES 350 uses an electronic console-mounted shifter with a mechanical shift-lock override.
🧰 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 any battery power remains
- Locate the shift-lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the cover cap
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override depressed, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the battery is completely dead, keep the override pressed and apply firm rearward pressure on the shifter to manually move it to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small covered rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, near the console surface
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the mechanical override remains functional. Press and hold the override firmly while applying sustained rearward force on the shifter. The shifter will be stiff but will release with persistent effort. Brake pedal press is not required when there is no power.