🚨 2021 Lexus NX 300h: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 NX 300h uses an electronic shifter with a center console-mounted selector that returns to center position after each input.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- If the hybrid system is operational, press the POWER button while depressing the brake pedal to turn the hybrid system ON
- With the system on and brake pedal depressed, move the shifter to N (push forward briefly from P position)
- If the hybrid system will not power on due to dead 12V battery, you must jump-start the 12V battery or connect external power to activate the electronic shift system
- The 12V battery is located in the rear cargo area under the floor - access by removing the cargo floor cover
- Once 12V power is restored, follow steps 2-3 to shift to neutral
- If the shift-lock will not release with power restored, locate the shift-lock override slot covered by a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base
- Use the metal key from the electronic key fob to pry off the override cap
- Insert the key or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter to N
- If transporting via flatbed, shift to N and ensure the POWER button shows the ACCESSORY or IGNITION mode (not OFF) to prevent steering lock
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap-covered slot on the left side of the shifter base in the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not operate at all. You must provide external power via jump-starting the 12V battery (located in rear cargo area under floor) or connecting a jump box to the underhood jump-start terminal. The hybrid system does not need to be ready, but the 12V electrical system must have power to release the shift lock.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
This is a hybrid vehicle. The traction battery can provide some power, but the 12V auxiliary battery controls all shifter functions. If the vehicle must be towed and cannot be shifted to neutral, it MUST be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground - towing with any wheels on the ground can severely damage the hybrid transaxle and electric motor. Never tow this vehicle with the front wheels on the ground.