🚨 2007 Lexus LS 460: Emergency Neutral
The 2007 LS 460 (first year of XF40 generation) uses an electronic console-mounted shifter with shift-by-wire technology and an electronic parking brake.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 level ground - the electronic parking brake should be engaged
- If the 12V battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON (push the start button twice without pressing the brake)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the shift lock override button while moving the shifter to Neutral - the override is a small button on the left side of the shifter base, often under a small removable cover
- If the electronic parking brake will not release due to electrical failure, do NOT attempt to move the vehicle under its own power
- For flatbed towing with complete electrical failure, the rear wheels must be lifted or the vehicle must be dollied, as the electronic parking brake cannot be mechanically released without special tools
Shift-lock override location
Small button on the left side of the console shifter base, typically under a removable plastic cover with 'SHIFT LOCK' or similar labeling
With zero electrical power
The 2007 LS 460 presents significant challenges with zero 12V power. The shift-by-wire system requires electrical power to operate. The shift lock override may allow the shifter to move mechanically, but this does NOT disengage the transmission - it only releases the shifter gate. With no power, you cannot place the transmission in Neutral electronically. Additionally, the electronic parking brake cannot be released without power. For dead battery situations, you MUST provide 12V power via jump-start or a jump box before attempting to shift. For flatbed loading with dead battery, jump the vehicle, shift to Neutral, then disconnect. If jumping is impossible, the vehicle must be loaded onto the flatbed with rear wheels lifted.