🚨 2000 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2000 C43 AMG (W202) uses a traditional floor-mounted console 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
- Ensure parking brake is firmly applied and vehicle is on level ground
- Turn ignition key to position I or II if battery has any charge remaining
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- If shifter releases, move to Neutral; if not, proceed to manual override
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override cover on the left side of the shifter base near the 'P' position
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key blade to pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- Remove tool and replace cover after vehicle is secured
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cover on the left side of shifter base, adjacent to the Park position gate
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, ignition cannot be turned. The mechanical shift lock override will still function - use the override slot method starting at step 5. You may need to apply more force to the override mechanism without any electrical assistance, but it will release mechanically.