🚨 2019 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 C43 AMG (W205 facelift) uses a console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with a traditional fore-aft motion.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 parking brake is engaged
- Locate the shift lock override access—on the W205 C43, look for a small rectangular cover on the right side of the gear selector base on the center console
- Carefully pry off the small plastic cover using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot
- Press down firmly on the override mechanism while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal (if any power is available) and moving the gear selector rearward from Park to Neutral
- If no power is available, apply firm pressure on the override while attempting to move the shifter—some mechanical override may be possible
- Once in Neutral, release the override tool and verify the transmission is in Neutral before moving the vehicle
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cover on the right side of the gear selector base; the override slot is directly beneath this cover
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may not function at all, even with the mechanical override. You will likely need to jump-start the battery to provide minimal power to the transmission control module. The steering lock will also remain engaged without power. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed in Park position using wheel dollies or a full rollback.