🚨 2020 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG W177: Emergency Neutral
The W177 A45 AMG uses a center console-mounted electronic lever shifter (8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT 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 the START/STOP button without pressing the brake pedal.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override access - look for a small rectangular slot with a removable cap on the console near the shifter base (typically on the left or front-left side of the shifter).
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to carefully remove the plastic cap.
- Insert the tool straight down into the override slot while continuing to hold the brake pedal.
- While holding the override mechanism down, push the shifter forward through Drive to Neutral.
- The transmission should now be in Neutral and the vehicle can roll.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular access slot with removable plastic cap located near the shifter base on the center console, typically on the left or front-left side of the shifter assembly.
With zero electrical power
The W177 electronic shifter requires electrical power to release the shift lock, even with the manual override. With a completely dead 12V battery, you must jump-start the battery to at least accessory mode (press START/STOP without brake) to enable the override function. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground or using wheel dollies.