🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz A250 W176: Emergency Neutral
The W176 A250 uses a console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with P-R-N-D positions, similar to other Mercedes models of this era.
✓ 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and parking brake is engaged (if functional)
- Turn the ignition to position II (or press START button twice without brake pedal) to provide power to the shifter
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Move the gear selector to N (neutral) position
- If the shifter remains locked and you have ignition power, locate the shift lock override access point near the shifter
- Look for a small cover panel or slot adjacent to the shifter base on the center console (typically on the right side or front)
- Remove the cover by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or pressing the release tab
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to N position
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded
Shift-lock override location
Near the shifter base on the center console, typically covered by a small removable panel; exact location varies but check the right side and front of the shifter assembly
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter will not release from Park without mechanical override. Use the shift lock override: locate and remove the access cover near the shifter, insert a tool into the override slot, press firmly, and move shifter to N. If the override does not work or cannot be located, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed. Jump-starting the battery is the most reliable method to restore shifter function.