🚨 2024 Lexus IS 300: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Lexus IS 300 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter 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 parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge (press start button twice without brake pedal)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the passenger side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cap
- Press firmly down into the override slot while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and moving it to Neutral
- Keep the override pressed throughout the entire shift motion until the shifter is fully in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap-covered slot on the passenger (right) side of the shifter base near the shifter lever
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift-lock override will still function mechanically. Use the mechanical key blade (stored in the key fob) to unlock the driver door if needed. The override slot works without any electrical power.