🚨 2023 Lexus RX 350: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 RX 350 uses an electronically controlled center console-mounted shifter lever with shift-by-wire technology.
✓ 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.
- If the 12V battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON mode by pressing the START button without pressing the brake pedal (press twice for ON mode).
- Press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral normally if shift-by-wire system is operational.
- If the shifter will not respond due to dead battery or system failure, locate the shift lock override: examine the lower left side of the shifter base on the console for a small removable cap or access panel.
- Remove the cap using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to expose the mechanical override release.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press or pull the release mechanism while attempting to move the shifter to Neutral.
- If completely dead with no response, you may need to access the transmission directly under the vehicle to mechanically place it in Neutral—this is a dealer/specialist procedure for shift-by-wire systems.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be carefully moved onto a flatbed tow truck.
Shift-lock override location
Examine the lower left side of the shifter base for a small removable cap covering the mechanical override—exact location may vary slightly by trim configuration.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift-by-wire system is completely inoperable. The mechanical override may allow limited shifter movement, but if it does not engage the transmission, professional intervention may be required to mechanically release the transmission parking pawl under the vehicle. The electronic parking brake will remain engaged without power—it may automatically release when attempting to move if any residual power exists, but complete power loss may require manual release of the EPB caliper mechanisms. Steering lock will prevent steering without at least ACC mode power.