🚨 2012 Lexus LFA: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 LFA uses an automated single-clutch sequential manual transmission (ASG - Automated Sequential Gearbox) with a console-mounted sequential shift lever and paddle shifters.
🧰 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 engage the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON mode (press START button without clutch pedal once or twice to reach ON without starting engine).
- Locate the shift lock override release on the left side of the shift lever base, beneath a small cover.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover.
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down and with ignition ON, move the shift lever to N (Neutral) position.
- If successful, the transmission control unit will engage neutral and you can release the override.
- Verify neutral by attempting to roll the vehicle slightly (with brake released and parking brake off).
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shift lever base, under a small cover near the driver's side of the shifter
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the automated sequential transmission cannot electrically engage neutral. The shift lock override only releases the shifter mechanism itself—the actual transmission neutral engagement requires power to the TCU. If the battery is completely dead, jump-starting or installing a charged battery is required to get the transmission into neutral. The LFA has a conventional hydraulic parking brake that can be released manually without power. Without electrical power to the transmission control unit, flatbed transport is the only option.