🚨 2009 Lexus LS 600h: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 LS 600h uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shift lever with a mechanical shift lock solenoid controlled by the brake interlock system.
✓ 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 a level surface and set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON mode if the 12V battery has sufficient charge
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is directly in front of the shifter lever, beneath a small removable rectangular cover in the shift gate trim
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift-lock override cover
- Insert the screwdriver, a key, or similar thin tool into the override slot
- While pressing down on the override release tool, press the brake pedal and move the shifter out of Park into Neutral
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, the mechanical override should still work without power—simply press the override release while manually moving the shifter to Neutral (you may need firm pressure)
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely; maintain control with the parking brake and chocks
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover directly in front of the shifter lever in the shift gate trim
With zero electrical power
The 2009 LS 600h shift-lock override is mechanical and should function even with a completely dead 12V battery. Insert the tool into the override slot and apply firm downward pressure while moving the shifter to Neutral. No electrical power is required for the mechanical override to release the shift lock.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The LS 600h is a hybrid and must ONLY be towed with all wheels OFF the ground (flatbed or wheel-lift with dollies). DO NOT tow with any wheels on the ground—this will rotate the electric motor/generators and can cause severe damage to the hybrid transaxle, inverter, and electrical systems even when in Neutral. Always use a flatbed or ensure all four wheels are lifted.