🚨 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 CLA45 AMG uses a console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with integrated button controls.
✓ 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 flat surface and set the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START/STOP without brake pedal twice) to provide power to the shifter electronics.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the gear selector to N (neutral) by pushing the lever up once from Park position.
- If the shifter is locked and won't move, locate the shift lock override slot covered by a small removable cap on the left side of the shifter base near the console.
- Remove the cap using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
- Insert a key or small screwdriver into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter to N.
- If successful, the vehicle can now roll freely - verify with a helper before releasing brakes.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap-covered slot on the left side of the shifter base, accessed from the driver's side of the center console.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter will not function normally. You must use the shift lock override: remove the small cap on the left side of shifter base, insert a key/tool into the slot, press down firmly, and simultaneously attempt to move shifter to N. If override doesn't work with zero power, the transmission may remain locked in Park - vehicle will require jump start or battery replacement before moving, or flatbed towing in Park.