🚨 2012 Lexus LS 460: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 LS 460 uses a conventional floor-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 set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery power is available (this may release the shift lock automatically if only the brake switch failed).
- If the shifter still won't move, locate the shift-lock override slot—it is a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover located on the left side of the shifter base.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the plastic cover cap.
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the bottom
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the ignition cannot be turned on and the shifter will remain locked. Use the shift-lock override slot procedure above—no electrical power is required for the mechanical override to function. You may need a flashlight to see the override location.