🚨 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 C117: Emergency Neutral
The 2014 CLA250 (C117) features a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with a P-R-N-D gate.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake.
- Locate the shift lock override access cover, a small removable cap on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shifter boot.
- Use the metal key blade or a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override mechanism down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter rearward from P through R to N.
- If the brake-light switch is failed or there is no electrical power, continue pressing the override down and use firm manual pressure to move the shifter to N; you may need to rock the vehicle gently to relieve pawl pressure.
- Once in N, remove the tool from the override slot and replace the cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the right side of the shifter base, directly adjacent to the shifter boot near the center console.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Remove the override cap, press the release down with the key blade, and manually move the shifter to N. If the parking pawl is under load, rock the vehicle slightly or have a second person push the vehicle gently to relieve pressure, allowing the shifter to release.