🚨 2001 Mercedes-Benz C240 W203: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 W203 C240 uses a traditional Mercedes-Benz console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition key to position I or II if possible to provide some electrical power; if dead battery, proceed without power.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the center console — on W203 models, this is typically found to the right of the shifter base, covered by a small removable plastic cap.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the plastic cover cap.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override slot.
- Press down firmly on the tool while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the brake pedal has vacuum assist remaining, pressing the brake while using the override may help; if no vacuum, the mechanical override alone should suffice.
- Once in Neutral, remove the tool and keep the parking brake engaged.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot to the right of the shifter base on the center console, requires removing a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override on the W203 is mechanical and will work without any battery power. The override physically releases the shift lock solenoid. However, with zero power, you will not have power steering or brake assist when moving the vehicle. The mechanical parking brake on W203 models is cable-operated and can be released without power.