🚨 2025 Lexus RX 500h: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 RX 500h uses an electronic shift-by-wire selector on the center console with positions for P, R, N, D, and a manual mode.
✓ 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
- Turn the ignition to ACC or ON mode (press START button without brake pedal, or use jump-pack if battery is completely dead)
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is under a small removable cap on the lower right side of the shifter assembly on the center console
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key from your key fob to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert the key or screwdriver straight down into the override slot and press firmly downward
- While holding the override down, move the shift selector to N (Neutral)
- Release the override and verify the gear indicator shows N
- If you cannot get hybrid system power at all, the override may not release the shifter—proceed to tow-mode preparation
Shift-lock override location
Under a small cap on the lower right side of the electronic shifter assembly on the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with the override. You will need to either jump the 12V battery (located in the engine bay) to get ACC power, or place the vehicle in tow mode and use a flatbed. Do NOT attempt to flat-tow this hybrid.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID WARNING: This vehicle has electric drive motors. Never flat-tow or tow with drive wheels on the ground—serious transmission damage will occur. Always use a flatbed or tow dolly with REAR wheels off the ground. Consult owner's manual section on Transport for proper tow-mode procedure (may require hybrid system activation).