🚨 2023 Lexus UX 250h: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 UX 250h uses an electronic shift-by-wire system with a small console-mounted lever that returns to center position after each selection.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheel chocks are in place
- Turn the ignition to ON (press START button twice without brake pedal) if 12V power is available
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Move the shift lever to N (push forward once from P position)
- If the shift lever will not move due to shift lock, locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, just forward of the shifter itself
- Remove the small rectangular cap covering the override slot using a flat tool or your fingernail
- Insert a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and push down while simultaneously moving the shifter to N
- Keep the brake pedal depressed throughout this process
- Once in N, the vehicle can be moved slowly; verify N is displayed on the instrument cluster if power is available
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap-covered slot on the left side of the shifter base, just forward of the shifter lever itself
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the shift lock override may not function and the hybrid system cannot engage neutral through normal means. If the override slot does not work, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or dollies under the front wheels. Do NOT attempt to flat-tow this vehicle.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The UX 250h is a front-wheel-drive hybrid. NEVER flat-tow or tow with front wheels on the ground for any distance - this will cause severe damage to the transaxle and electric motor. Flatbed transport with all four wheels off the ground is mandatory, or use dollies under the front wheels for short distances. The hybrid system's electric motors are mechanically coupled to the front wheels even when the vehicle is 'off'.