🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 C117: Emergency Neutral
The C117 CLA uses a center console-mounted electronic gear selector lever (Direct Select) with positions for P, R, N, D, and manual mode.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly set and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if battery has any remaining charge
- Firmly depress the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening with a cap/cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the cap covering the override slot
- Insert the key blade or small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and push down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and moving it to N (neutral)
- If successful, the shifter will move to N; verify by checking the instrument cluster display
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side of the console
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter will not function and the override may not work reliably. You may need to jump-start the vehicle with a portable jump pack or donor vehicle to provide minimal power to release the shifter lock. Once in neutral with some power, the vehicle can be pushed/rolled. If no power is available at all, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed with dollies or dragged onto the bed—do NOT attempt to tow with drive wheels on the ground.