🚨 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E: Emergency Neutral
The W201 190E uses a traditional floor-mounted console lever shifter with a button on the side for gear selection.
✓ 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
- Ensure the parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to position I (accessories) or II (ignition on) if the battery has any remaining charge.
- Locate the shift lock override slot, which is a small rectangular opening typically covered by a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter console, forward of the shifter lever itself.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the metal end of the ignition key to pry off the plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key fully into the override slot and press down firmly—this mechanically releases the shift lock mechanism.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the lever to Neutral.
- If the steering lock is engaged and you need to roll the vehicle, you may need to turn the key in the ignition to unlock the steering column (this requires some battery power).
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter console, forward of the shifter lever base, under a small rectangular plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. However, the steering lock may remain engaged. If the steering wheel is locked, you will need to either jump-start the battery to turn the ignition key to position I, or manually unlock the steering column (which typically requires some electrical power). The vehicle can be pushed/pulled straight if steering remains locked, but cannot be steered.