🚨 2023 Lexus NX 350h: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 NX 350h uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with a push-button P (Park) located on the end of the shifter stalk.
✓ 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 ON (press START button twice without brake pedal) to restore electrical power to the shifter system.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the P button on the end of the shifter to release Park if engaged.
- Move the shifter to Neutral by pushing it upward once from the center position.
- If the shift lock will not release due to a failed brake-light switch, locate the shift-lock override slot—look for a small removable cap or cover on the console near the shifter base, typically forward or to the right of the shifter.
- Remove the cap, insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot, and press down while moving the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap-covered slot on the console near the shifter base, typically forward or to the right side of the shifter assembly.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter will not function and the shift-lock override will also not work. The hybrid system requires 12V power for the shifter electronics. You must jump-start the vehicle or connect an external 12V power source to the 12V battery (located in the engine bay) to restore minimal electrical function, then follow the steps above. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed or dollies without shifting to Neutral.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The NX 350h is a hybrid with an electronically controlled transmission. Even in Neutral, the vehicle should NOT be towed with wheels on the ground—doing so can severely damage the hybrid transaxle and electric motor/generators. Always use a flatbed or trailer, or lift/dolly all four wheels. For short-distance movement onto a flatbed, Neutral is acceptable, but never tow this vehicle behind another vehicle or tow truck with any wheels on the pavement.