🚨 2020 Mercedes-Benz E400 W213: Emergency Neutral
The W213 E-Class uses a small electronic column-mounted shift 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 level surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- If the battery has any charge, turn the ignition to ON (press start button without brake pedal).
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Move the shift stalk down once briefly to engage neutral.
- If the electronic shifter does not respond due to complete power loss, proceed to the manual shift lock override.
- Locate the shift lock override access: it is under a small rectangular cap on the center console, typically to the left or front of the cupholders near the base of the console.
- Carefully pry off the small plastic cap with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot and press down while attempting to move the shift stalk to neutral.
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the center console near the cupholder area; exact location may vary but typically forward or left of the cupholder assembly.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shift stalk will not function. You must use the manual shift lock override slot accessed under a cap on the center console. Jump-starting or connecting an external 12V source to the battery may restore shifter function temporarily.