🚨 2021 Lexus IS 350: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 IS 350 uses a traditional gate-type console shifter with electronic shift lock (carry-over XE30 platform through mid-2021, then XE40 refresh).
🧰 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 level surface and parking brake is firmly set
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap, located on the left side of the shifter base near the P position
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the key blade to carefully pry off the small cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key blade fully into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Release the override and remove the tool; the shifter should remain in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base near Park position, under a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: the shift lock override is mechanical and will work without any electrical power. You will not be able to turn the ignition to ACC, but the override slot alone is sufficient to release the shifter. After releasing to Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed.