🚨 1998 Toyota Altezza: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 Altezza (Lexus IS200/300 in other markets) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with mechanical shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 flat surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to ACC or ON position if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular or circular opening on the console near the shifter, typically to the right side or directly in front of the shifter base.
- The override may be covered by a small plastic cap that pries off with a flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If no power is available, maintain downward pressure on the override release while firmly moving the shifter to Neutral - it may require more force than normal.
Shift-lock override location
Console area near the shifter base, typically right side or front of the shifter, under a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Press down firmly in the override slot while moving the shifter. The key may not turn in the ignition without power, but this does not prevent shifting to neutral using the override.