🚨 1993 Lexus GS 300: Emergency Neutral
The 1993 GS 300 (first year of production) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with cable-actuated 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if possible (provides some electrical power to the shift lock system)
- Locate the shift lock override button - it is a small rectangular slot with a removable cover cap positioned directly forward of the shifter gate, in the console trim
- Use a fingernail or small flat tool to pry off the small cover cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot
- Press the override button down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Located in the console trim directly forward (toward the dashboard) of the shifter gate, covered by a small rectangular cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery and ignition off, the shift lock override should still function mechanically. You will not have power steering or power brakes. The vehicle must be towed or carefully pushed with extreme caution due to no power assist for steering or braking.