🚨 2018 Mercedes-Benz A250 W176: Emergency Neutral
The W176 A-Class uses a column-mounted electronic shifter stalk on the right side of the steering column.
✓ 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 set the parking brake if functional.
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override cover on the right side of the column shifter assembly, near where the stalk meets the column.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Insert the mechanical key (from inside the key fob) or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot.
- While pressing down on the override mechanism, move the shifter stalk down through the gate positions to Neutral.
- If successful, the transmission will be in Neutral and the vehicle can roll freely.
- Replace the override cover after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the right side of the column shifter stalk assembly, near the column mounting point
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter will not respond normally. Use the mechanical shift lock override as described. If the steering lock is engaged electrically and won't release, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery (located in engine bay on right side) minimally to release the steering lock before the vehicle can be safely moved or steered onto a flatbed.