🚨 2025 Lexus RC 350: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 RC 350 uses a traditional console-mounted electronic shift lever with gate-style positions (P-R-N-D-S/M).
🧰 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 set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON position if battery has any power remaining
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot: a small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key blade to pry off the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter out of Park
- Shift to Neutral (middle position in the gate)
- If the shifter will not move, verify the brake pedal is fully depressed and the override tool is pressed completely down
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side), accessed by prying off the cap to reveal the override slot underneath
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Manually pry off the override cap, insert tool into the slot, press down firmly, and shift to Neutral. The electronic parking brake may not release without power; you may need to rock the vehicle slightly or have it winched onto the flatbed if the EPB is engaged.