🚨 2017 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 E63 AMG uses a console-mounted electronic shifter lever with an integrated P-button on the end.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button twice without brake pedal) to energize the shifter electronics.
- If the shifter will not release from Park electrically, locate the shift lock override access—a small rectangular cap on the console to the right of the shifter base.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you to engage Drive or Reverse position, or press the P-button while holding override to release from Park.
- Once the shifter is in Neutral, you may turn off the ignition and the transmission will remain in Neutral for towing.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the console to the right of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter cannot be operated and the shift lock override will not function. You must jump-start the 12V battery or connect an external power source to the battery or jump-start posts under the hood to provide enough power to energize the shifter module and use the override procedure. Without any power, the transmission cannot be shifted and the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded with front wheels off the ground.