🚨 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 CLA has a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter lever with a button on the side for releasing from Park.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 parking brake is engaged.
- Insert the key and turn to ignition position II (or press START/STOP without brake pedal).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the release button on the side of the shifter and move it to neutral.
- If the shifter will not release from Park due to failed brake switch or interlock, locate the shift lock override access.
- Look for a small rectangular cap or cover at the base of the shifter, typically on the left side or front of the shifter boot.
- Pry off the cap using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move to neutral.
- Release the parking brake only when ready to move the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap at the base of the shifter console, typically on the left side or forward of the shifter boot; removing the cap reveals the override slot
With zero electrical power
If the battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be turned on, the mechanical override should still function. Insert the key in the ignition (to unlock the steering), then use the shift lock override as described. The override is mechanical and does not require electrical power, but you may need minimal power to unlock the steering column.