🚨 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS400 C218: Emergency Neutral
The C218 CLS uses a conventional console-mounted PRND lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Apply parking brake firmly and ensure vehicle is on level ground
- Turn ignition to ON position (do not need to start engine)
- Locate the shift lock override access - it is a small rectangular cover panel on the right side of the shifter base
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver straight down into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and moving the shifter out of Park
- If successful, shift to Neutral and release the override
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover panel on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shift lever
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift lock override may not function electronically. You will need to jump-start the vehicle minimally (just enough 12V power to energize the shifter lock solenoid) or access the override slot and attempt to manually depress the release mechanism while applying force to the shifter. If this fails, the transmission may need to be placed in neutral via the transmission housing access point underneath the vehicle - contact Mercedes-Benz roadside assistance.