🚨 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG C208: Emergency Neutral
The C208 CLK uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground or properly chocked.
- Turn the ignition to position II (on) if you have any battery power remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the front of the shifter gate.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key blade to carefully pry off or lift the small plastic cover cap.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, pen, or similar rigid tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override tool down, press the shifter button on the front of the shifter handle and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no power at all, the override will still mechanically release the shift lock—continue to hold the override down while shifting.
- Once in Neutral, remove the tool and replace the cover cap.
- The vehicle can now roll freely; ensure it is properly secured before releasing the parking brake.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the front of the shifter gate
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is purely mechanical and will function with zero electrical power. Insert the tool into the override slot, press down, and shift to Neutral while pressing the shifter button. You will not have power steering or brake assist, so use extreme caution if the vehicle must be moved under its own weight.