🚨 2003 Lexus IS 300: Emergency Neutral
The 2003 IS 300 uses a traditional floor-mounted automatic transmission lever with a shift lock button on the front of the shifter handle.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small covered opening on the center console directly adjacent to the shifter base, typically on the right side near the P position.
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot by prying it gently with a flat screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a small flat-head screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if you have power) and press the shift lock button on the shifter, then move the shifter to Neutral.
- If you have no power, keep the override pressed and use firm pressure on the shift lock button while moving to Neutral - you may need to rock the shifter slightly.
- Once in Neutral, remove the tool and replace the override cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the center console directly adjacent to the right side of the shifter base, near the P position.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot turn the steering wheel lock off, so the vehicle can only roll straight. The shift lock override will still work mechanically - press it down while applying firm pressure to both the shift lock button and the shifter lever to move to Neutral. You may need to rock the shifter back and forth slightly while pressing.