🚨 2023 Lexus RX 350h: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 RX 350h hybrid uses an electronic shifter with a small gear selector on the center console.
✓ 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 if it engages.
- Turn the ignition to READY mode if possible (press start button with brake pedal, or press twice without brake for ACC/ON).
- Locate the shift lock override: a small rectangular cover near the base of the shifter on the console.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while attempting to move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the hybrid system is READY or has sufficient 12V power, the shift-by-wire system should allow the shift to Neutral.
- If successful, release the parking brake (if applied) and the vehicle can now roll.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover near the base of the electronic shifter on the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shift-by-wire system will not function even with the override. The hybrid system requires 12V battery power to operate. Jump-start the 12V battery (located in the engine bay or under rear cargo area—consult owner's manual) to gain enough power to shift to Neutral. Once minimal power is restored, use the override procedure above.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL HYBRID WARNING: Do NOT tow this vehicle with drive wheels on the ground for any distance. The hybrid transaxle contains motor-generators that will be forcibly rotated during towing, generating potentially damaging voltage with no way to dissipate it when the system is off. FLATBED TOW ONLY for distances over a few feet. If you must move the vehicle a short distance (onto a flatbed), shift to Neutral per the procedure above, but minimize rolling distance.