🚨 2022 Lexus NX 250: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Lexus NX 250 (second-generation NX) uses a console-mounted electronic shift-by-wire lever with electronic parking brake and push-button start.
🧰 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 apply wheel chocks.
- Locate the shift lock override - there is a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shift lever base on the console.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever to the Neutral position.
- Release the override and verify the shift indicator shows Neutral.
- Attempt to release the electronic parking brake - if it won't release due to low power, you'll need to jump the battery or the vehicle must be flatbed towed.
- Once EPB is released and shifter is in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or winched.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap on the left side of the shift lever base, directly adjacent to the shifter mechanism
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift-by-wire system may not respond even with the override engaged. The electronic parking brake will definitely not release without power. You must connect a jump pack or jumper cables to at least get minimal power to release the EPB and confirm Neutral engagement. If this is not possible, flatbed tow with all wheels off the ground is required.