🚨 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQA: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 EQA uses a console-mounted column-style electronic shift lever (P-R-N-D) on the right side of the steering column, identical to current Mercedes convention.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if the high-voltage battery has any charge (press START button without pressing brake pedal twice to reach ON mode).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a cover cap located on the right side of the shifter stalk base where it meets the steering column shroud.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or the key blade to pry off the small cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key blade into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter stalk down toward 'D' and then push it up past 'R' to reach 'N' (neutral).
- The shifter will click into neutral; verify 'N' appears on the instrument cluster if power is available.
- If the override does not release the shifter with zero power, the vehicle cannot be shifted mechanically—use flatbed towing only.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap on the right side of the column shifter stalk base, near where it meets the steering column shroud.
With zero electrical power
With complete 12V power loss, the electronic shifter may not mechanically release even with the override. The high-voltage EV system will also be offline. If the override does not work with zero power, the vehicle cannot be shifted and must be pulled onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground. Do NOT tow with any wheels on the ground—electric motors create resistance and can be damaged.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
ELECTRIC VEHICLE WARNING: The EQA must be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Do NOT tow with drive wheels on the pavement—the electric motors will generate resistance and can suffer permanent damage. Even in neutral, rolling the vehicle with motors engaged risks component failure. Always use a flatbed truck for transport.