🚨 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 W201: Emergency Neutral
The W201 190E uses a traditional Mercedes column-mounted shift lever with a mechanical shift lock that requires the brake pedal to be depressed.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock all wheels
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if the battery has any residual charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it's a small rectangular opening on the left side of the steering column shroud, just above and slightly forward of the shifter base where it meets the column
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the override tool (if equipped) into the slot approximately 1/2 inch deep
- Press firmly downward/rearward on the tool while simultaneously pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it to Neutral
- If no electrical power exists: with the override tool inserted and held, the mechanical interlock is bypassed and you can shift to Neutral with physical force alone
- Remove the override tool only after the shifter is secured in Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the steering column shroud, just above the shifter base - small rectangular slot approximately 1/2 inch deep
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock solenoid defaults to locked position. The mechanical override slot allows you to physically release the lock pawl - no electrical power is needed once the override is inserted. You may need moderate force on the shifter while holding the override tool inserted.