🚨 2008 Lexus GS 300: Emergency Neutral
The 2008 GS 300 uses a conventional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover located on the left side of the shifter base, near the front of the shifter housing.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to remove the plastic cover cap.
- Press the brake pedal (if possible) and insert the screwdriver or key blade into the override slot.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the override does not work, the vehicle may be moved onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base, small rectangular slot with plastic cover, accessible from driver's seat
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override may still function mechanically. Follow the override procedure above. If the steering column lock is engaged and cannot be released, the vehicle must be towed with all wheels off the ground or front wheels on dollies.