🚨 2011 Lexus RX 450h: Emergency Neutral
The 2011 RX 450h uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with a gate pattern (P-R-N-D-B), featuring a physical shift lock button on the shifter itself.
✓ 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 you have any 12V power, turn the ignition to ON (press START button twice without pressing brake pedal).
- With power available, press the brake pedal (if functional) and move the shifter to Neutral normally.
- If there is NO power or the shift lock is stuck, locate the shift lock override cover—a small rectangular plastic cap on the console directly to the left of the shifter base.
- Pry off the override cover carefully with a flat-head screwdriver.
- Insert the screwdriver or ignition key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park through Reverse to Neutral.
- Release the override mechanism once the shifter is in Neutral.
- The vehicle can now be rolled onto a flatbed—DO NOT tow with wheels on the ground.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap on the center console directly to the left of the shifter base, near the front of the shifter gate
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic parking brake (if engaged) will remain locked. You must use the mechanical shift lock override to get to Neutral, but the rear wheels may still be held by the electric parking brake. If the electric parking brake cannot be released, the vehicle must be dollied or winched onto the flatbed. Some models may have a manual parking brake release procedure—check the owner's manual.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The RX 450h is a hybrid with electric motors mechanically connected to the drivetrain. NEVER tow this vehicle with any wheels on the ground, even in Neutral. The hybrid transaxle can be severely damaged by towing. Always use a flatbed or wheel-lift with all four wheels off the ground.