🚨 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 CLS (C219) uses a traditional console-mounted electronic shifter lever with a shift-lock button on the left side of the shifter head.
✓ 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 set the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (accessory) if 12V power is available
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: a small covered opening to the left of the shifter base on the console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the plastic cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to N
- If no power: with override pressed, manually move the shifter to N without pressing the shifter button
- The shifter will move to Neutral; release the override and verify the position indicator (if powered)
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot to the left of the shifter base on the center console, forward of the shifter boot
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not indicate position and some models may have increased mechanical resistance. The override slot still functions mechanically. You may need to rock the vehicle slightly while applying the override to release transmission parking pawl tension. Do NOT attempt to start the vehicle while in Neutral with a dead battery.