🚨 2023 Lexus NX 450h+: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 NX 450h+ uses an electronic shift-by-wire system with a small console-mounted lever that returns to center after each shift 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 vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- If the plug-in hybrid system is operational, press the Power button while depressing the brake pedal to enter READY mode.
- With the system in READY mode, press the brake pedal and move the shift lever to the N (Neutral) position by tapping it upward once from Park.
- If the hybrid system will not enter READY mode due to dead 12V battery, you must jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external power source to the jump-start terminal under the hood.
- Once 12V power is restored, enter READY mode and shift to Neutral as described above.
- If the brake-light switch or shift interlock has failed but you have 12V power, locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small covered access point on the console near the shifter base, typically to the right or front of the shifter.
- Remove the small cap covering the override slot using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shift lever to Neutral.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter moves fully to Neutral, then release.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the center console near the shifter base, typically to the right or front of the shifter assembly—requires removal of a small cap.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter cannot be moved to Neutral without external power. You must jump-start the 12V battery using the jump-start terminal under the hood (positive terminal is marked, negative connects to ground point). Once the plug-in hybrid system enters READY mode, you can shift to Neutral. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground using wheel dollies or a tilt-bed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid with significant electric-only drive capability and a large high-voltage traction battery. If being towed, the hybrid system MUST be in READY mode or completely powered down. Never tow with the rear wheels on the ground for extended distances as the electric motor/generator is connected to the rear axle and can generate voltage, potentially damaging the hybrid system and high-voltage battery. Flatbed transport with all four wheels off the ground is MANDATORY for this plug-in hybrid. Do not attempt flat-towing even in an emergency—serious damage to the powertrain will result.