🚨 2017 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG W176: Emergency Neutral
The W176 A45 AMG uses a center console-mounted electronic lever shifter (7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission) that returns to center position after each shift input.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ACC or ON) if battery power is available.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override slot, which is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base (toward the driver's side).
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the screwdriver or key blade straight down into the override slot while continuing to hold the brake pedal.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter forward to the Drive position, then continue forward to Neutral.
- The transmission should now be in Neutral and the vehicle can roll.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side of the center console.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery (no ignition positions available), the electronic shifter lock remains engaged and cannot be mechanically overridden without electrical power to the shifter module. You will need to jump-start the 12V battery to at least ACC position to activate the override mechanism, or the vehicle must be lifted/dollied onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground.