🚨 2019 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 C63 AMG uses a traditional PRND console-mounted gear lever 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 the vehicle is on a level surface and the parking brake is firmly applied.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if you have any battery power remaining.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shift lock release button located on the right side of the shifter base—you may need to pry up a small rectangular cover cap with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to access it.
- While holding the release button down, move the shifter rearward through Reverse, Neutral, and Drive as needed; release in Neutral.
- If the electronic parking brake will not release due to power loss, you may need to use the emergency release procedure for the parking brake (consult owner's manual for location of EPB emergency release cable, typically in the trunk area).
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base, under a small rectangular cover cap
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, the shift lock release button may still allow you to move the shifter mechanically, but the electronic parking brake will NOT release. You must access the manual emergency parking brake release (usually via cables in the rear trunk trim panels near each caliper) or the vehicle must be lifted/dollied from the rear wheels. Jumping the battery from another vehicle or a jump pack is strongly recommended.