When The Car Is Off.. lets say.. the battery is dead.. my 93 lexus ES 300..shifting is locked when the car is not started...i was wondering if theres any way around that.. like a manual shift override or something that would allow me to put the car in netural while the car is off.. or if your not able to start it..

If this Lexus has an automatic transmission and you're worried, put it back in park, or P. If you were able to put in neutral while it was off, you should be able to put it in park while it is off.

If this Lexus has a manual transmission, neutral is where it is supposed to be.

There should be a little square by the shifter(Automatic) pry it open(be carful not to damage it) and push the little button. If you have the manual, refer to the answer above

The shift override button is to the left of the shifter handle and you will have to pry of the Little cover and the using the same screw drive push the button down and it will release the shifter.