🚨 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 C257: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 CLS450 (C257) uses a small console-mounted electronic monostable shifter that returns to center after each input.
✓ 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 electronic parking brake
- Attempt to enter the vehicle and close the door (proximity key must be detected if system has any power)
- Press the brake pedal and push the START/STOP button to position 1 (accessory) or position 2 (ignition on) without starting - if battery has sufficient voltage
- Locate the shift-lock override: a small covered rectangular slot on the right side of the shifter base or directly behind it on the console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to remove the cover
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and tap the shifter upward once to select N
- The shifter will return to center but the display should show N; if no display, transmission should be in Neutral
- If absolutely no power: with override held, attempt to tap shifter upward - this may not work on fully electronic systems; jump-starting to accessory power is strongly recommended
- Release the override and verify Neutral on the instrument cluster if powered
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the right side or directly behind the monostable shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
The 2024 CLS450 uses a fully electronic shift-by-wire system. With zero 12V power, the shifter may not respond even with the override engaged, as the transmission control module requires power to command the transmission out of Park. You will likely need to jump-start the battery to at least accessory mode (position 1) before the override will allow shifting. The electronic parking brake also requires power to release. If jump-starting is impossible, the vehicle must be transported in Park on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or with rear wheels on dollies.