🚨 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE450: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 CLE450 hybrid uses a console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with Mercedes' latest shifter design.
✓ 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 button without brake pedal twice) to energize the shifter electronics - hybrid system does not need to be READY.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the gear selector to N (neutral) by tapping the lever up once from Park position.
- If the shifter is electronically locked and won't move, locate the shift lock override access.
- On the left side of the shifter base, find and remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the metal key blade (from the key fob) or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot.
- Press down firmly on the tool while simultaneously attempting to move the shifter up to N position.
- Once in neutral, verify the transmission is actually in N (check instrument cluster display).
- The vehicle can now roll - verify with a helper before releasing brakes.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap-covered slot on the left side of the shifter base near the center console trim.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the hybrid system and electronic shifter will not function. First attempt: use the shift lock override (remove cap on left side of shifter base, insert key/tool, press down, move shifter to N). Even with the override, the transmission may remain electronically locked in Park with zero 12V power. If you cannot get it into neutral, the vehicle will need the 12V battery jump-started or replaced before it can be shifted. The electronic parking brake will also remain engaged without 12V power. Note: the high-voltage hybrid battery is separate from the 12V system.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
HYBRID TOW WARNING: This is a plug-in hybrid with electric motor components connected to the drivetrain. For towing distances over 30 miles or speeds over 30 mph, use flatbed transport only. Do NOT tow with rear wheels on the ground for extended distances as this can rotate the electric motor and damage the hybrid system. For short-distance moves (onto a flatbed), neutral is acceptable. If the hybrid system shows any warning lights or errors, use flatbed only regardless of distance.