where to put lexus key if car can not shift

[SanWilliam]

If your Lexus won't shift out of park, the key is likely already in the vehicle, but the car isn't recognizing it. The solution is to place the smart key fob directly against the start/stop button. Press and hold the fob against the button for about 10-15 seconds until the car's electronics recognize the key, allowing you to shift gears. This is a failsafe designed for when the key fob's battery is dead.

This issue is almost always related to a weak or dead key fob battery. The vehicle has a shift interlock safety feature that prevents it from being shifted out of park unless it detects a valid key inside. When the battery is low, the signal is too weak for the car's sensors to pick up reliably. Holding the fob against the button allows for a direct, short-range signal transfer through a technology called NFC (Near Field Communication).

If the key-to-button trick doesn't work, here are the next steps:

1. Check the 12V Battery: A weak or dead car battery can also cause this problem. If the dashboard lights are dim or non-existent, the issue is with the car's battery, not the key fob.
2. Use the Mechanical Key: All Lexus smart keys contain a physical, mechanical key blade that slides out. You can use this to unlock the driver's door if the keyless entry isn't working, which is another sign of a dead fob battery.
3. Manual Shift Override: Every Lexus with an automatic transmission has a manual shift override. This is a small, covered slot usually located near the shifter. Removing the cover reveals a button. Pressing this button with a tool (like the key fob itself or a pen) allows you to shift the car into neutral.

For quick reference, here are common Lexus models and their shift override locations:

Lexus Model	Typical Shift Interlock Override Location
ES, RX, NX	A small removable cap to the right or left of the shift lever.
LS, GX, LX	Often a covered slot near the base of the shifter assembly.
UX, IS	Usually integrated into the center console trim near the shifter.
RC, LC	A small, labeled cover next to the gear selector.

The most reliable long-term fix is to replace the key fob's CR2032 battery, a simple and inexpensive task you can do yourself.

[White]

Happened to me last winter. Panic mode! The manual said to press the key fob right on the start button. I held it there for what felt like forever, and then it finally beeped and let me shift. Total lifesaver. Turns out the cold just zapped my key battery. Now I keep a spare battery in the glove box.

[LaZane]

This is almost always a dead key battery. Your Lexus can't "see" the key. The quick fix is to hold the fob itself against the engine start/stop button on the dashboard for several seconds. The system will then recognize it. If that doesn't work, check your car's main battery. A low charge can cause similar electronic glitches. The manual shift override is the final solution, a small button near the shifter you press with a key.

[VonAaliyah]

This is a standard safety protocol. The shift interlock system requires a verified key signal. A depleted fob battery is the primary cause. Locate the manual shift release, typically a small, covered slot near the gear selector. Use the physical key from your fob or a similar tool to depress the button inside. This mechanically disengages the shifter, permitting you to move to neutral.