🚨 2022 Lexus RX 350: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 RX 350 (AL20 generation, 2016-2022) uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with shift-by-wire technology.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Attempt to turn the ignition to ACC or ON position—the shift-by-wire system requires some electrical power to function
- Locate the shift lock override cover on the console near the shifter base—look for a small rectangular cap on the right side of the shifter, closer to the passenger side
- Use the metal key blade or a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the override cover cap
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver into the exposed override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shift lever to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, release the override mechanism
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover cap on the right (passenger) side of the shifter base console
With zero electrical power
The 2016-2022 RX uses electronic shift-by-wire, which requires at least minimal battery voltage to operate. With completely dead battery, the mechanical override may not successfully engage Neutral because the transmission control module needs power. In this case, the vehicle must be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground, or the battery must be jump-started to provide enough power to shift. Do NOT attempt to flat-tow with drive wheels on the ground.