🚨 2009 Lexus IS 250: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 IS 250 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shift 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 set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if possible (provides power to unlock shifter).
- Locate the shift lock override access cover: it is a small rectangular cap on the right side of the shifter base, near the P position.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override access cover.
- Press and hold the shift lock override button inside the access slot with the screwdriver or a pen.
- While holding the override button down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If no power is available, continue holding the override button and manually move the shifter to Neutral without pressing the brake.
- Release the override button once in Neutral, then release the parking brake when ready to move the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access cover on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the Park position
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the override button can still be accessed and used to mechanically release the shift lock. Simply press and hold the override while moving the shifter to Neutral without needing the brake pedal. The ignition does not need to be in any position.