🚨 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 C218: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 CLS550 (C218) uses Mercedes' Direct Select electronic gear selector, a column-mounted stalk on the right side of the steering column.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and parking brake is engaged (or wheels are chocked if brake won't hold without power).
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the center console, just forward of the cup holders, covered by a small rectangular cap marked with a key symbol.
- Using a flathead screwdriver or the mechanical key blade, carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert the mechanical key or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, use the steering column shift stalk to move the selector to N (neutral) position.
- Remove the key/tool from the override slot and replace the cap.
- Vehicle can now be pushed or towed (see owner's manual for towing restrictions—flatbed recommended for AWD models).
Shift-lock override location
Center console forward of cup holders, small rectangular cap with key symbol covering the shift lock release slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic parking brake may remain engaged. If EPB will not release, the vehicle cannot be moved safely and must be transported with rear wheels off the ground or on dollies. The shift lock override will still allow neutral selection, but the EPB is a separate concern requiring either a jump start or dealer-level scan tool intervention.