These instructions apply to the Lexus IS Mk3 (XE30) 2013-2020.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If the gear lever on your Lexus IS (2013–2020) won’t move out of P — typically after a flat 12 V battery or a shift-lock fault — there’s an emergency release built into the console so you can free the lever and move the car. It takes a screwdriver and a minute. This is a designed-in override, not a sign that something has broken beyond repair: it exists precisely so you can shift out of Park and roll or tow the car when the normal electrical release isn’t working. Knowing where it is turns a car that won’t budge on the drive into a five-minute job.
Why the Lever Locks in Park
On an automatic like the IS, a shift-lock solenoid holds the lever in P until you switch on, press the brake and the system energises the release. That interlock stops the car being knocked out of Park accidentally. The catch is that it needs power to let go: if the 12 V battery is flat, disconnected or the solenoid itself has failed, the lever stays locked even though the car is otherwise fine. The manual override simply pushes that solenoid clear by hand so the lever can move — the same job the electrics would do, done mechanically.
First, a Few Checks
- Park on level ground where the car is safe to stand.
- Have a small flat-blade screwdriver ready, ideally with the tip taped to protect the trim.
- Make sure the parking brake is applied or the wheels are chocked before you unlock the lever.
- Keep the brake pedal within reach — once out of P the car can move.
- Know where you intend to move the car to before you free it.
Releasing the Lever
- Apply the parking brake (or chock the wheels) so the car can’t roll.
- Prise off the small plastic cover next to the gear lever with a flat screwdriver — this exposes the release button.
- Press and hold the unlock button down.
- While holding it, move the lever out of ‘P’, then release the button.
- Refit the cover — the procedure is complete.
If It Won’t Release
- Cover not lifting cleanly? Work the screwdriver gently around the edge rather than levering from one point, so you don’t crack the trim.
- Button won’t press or lever still stuck? Confirm you’ve found the release under the cover and press it firmly straight down while easing the lever.
- Lever moves but the car won’t roll? Check the parking brake is fully released and that nothing is chocking the wheels.
- Needs it every time you drive? That points to a weak battery or a failing shift-lock solenoid rather than a one-off, and is worth diagnosing.
After You’ve Freed It
- If this happened because of a flat 12 V battery, charge or renew it — see our IS battery guide.
- If the lever keeps sticking with a healthy battery, the shift-lock solenoid or brake-light switch may be faulty — that usually stores a code.
- Once the underlying cause is fixed, the lever should release normally with the brake pressed and you won’t need the override again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Lexus IS stuck in Park?
Most often a flat 12 V battery or a shift-lock fault stops the lever releasing, because the interlock needs power to let go. The console emergency release frees it mechanically so you can move the car.
Where is the shift-lock release?
It sits under a small removable cover beside the gear lever. Prise the cover off with a flat screwdriver to reach the release button, then press it to free the lever.
Is it safe to do myself?
Yes — apply the parking brake or chock the wheels first so the car can’t roll, and keep the brake pedal within reach once the lever is out of Park. It’s a designed-in override meant to be used by the driver.
Do I need the engine running?
No — the whole point of the manual release is that it works with no electrical power, which is why it’s useful when the 12 V battery is flat. Just make sure the car is secured against rolling before you unlock the lever.
Will using the release damage anything?
No, when done gently. Take care prising the trim cover so you don’t crack it, and press the button squarely. The mechanism is designed to be operated this way in an emergency.
It keeps sticking — what now?
With a good battery, a sticking lever points to the shift-lock solenoid or brake-light switch. Look up any stored code on autodtcs.com and have the fault diagnosed rather than relying on the override every time.
For the underlying battery fix, see our IS battery disconnect/reconnect guide.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Lexus. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.