🚨 2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 E63 AMG uses Mercedes' traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock and a manual override release.
✓ 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or position 2 (ON) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small plastic cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and moving it to Neutral
- If the brake pedal feels unusually stiff, this is normal with no power assist—press firmly
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or winched onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base near the driver, under a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You will not be able to use the ignition key to unlock the steering column electronically, so the steering wheel will remain locked. The vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels on dollies or the entire car lifted to avoid damaging the steering lock mechanism during towing.