🚨 2012 Lexus IS 350: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 IS 350 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side edge of the console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if power available) and moving the shifter to neutral
- If the shifter will not move, apply firm downward pressure on the tool in the override slot while pulling the shifter
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base near driver's edge, small rectangular slot with plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override slot can still be accessed mechanically. You will NOT need ignition power to use the override, but you must push down firmly on the tool in the slot to mechanically release the lock. The steering wheel will remain locked unless you turn the key to ACC (which may work even with very low battery voltage).