🚨 2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The W210 E55 AMG uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with a cable-actuated shifter and mechanical shift interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Locate the shift lock override button on the center console—it is a small rectangular button with a cover directly to the right of the shifter base
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key to pry off the small plastic cover cap over the override button
- Press and hold the override button down firmly with the screwdriver or key
- While holding the override button down, press the brake pedal (if battery has some power) and move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the brake interlock still prevents shifting, continue holding the override button and pull the shifter directly toward Neutral without pressing the brake
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular override button with plastic cover cap located to the right of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
The W210 shift interlock is primarily mechanical and brake-pedal dependent. With zero 12V power, the override button should still function mechanically. Insert a screwdriver into the override slot and press firmly while moving the shifter—no electrical power is required for the mechanical release to work.