🚨 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 EQE SUV uses a column-mounted monostable (spring-return) electronic shifter stalk that returns to center after each selection.
✓ 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 chocked; this is a 5,700+ lb EV with no engine braking.
- Attempt to activate the 12V system by pressing the start button without the brake pedal (accessory mode); if the dash illuminates, the electronic shifter should function normally—pull the stalk down once for Drive/forward rolling, or push up twice for Neutral.
- If the 12V battery is completely dead and the dash will not power on, you cannot electronically shift to Neutral; the EQE SUV requires 12V power to release the electronic parking brake and shift lock.
- To enable towing with a dead 12V battery: open the hood, locate the remote jump-start terminals (positive under red cap near fuse box, negative ground stud on shock tower), and connect an external 12V power source or jump box.
- Once 12V power is supplied, press the start button to accessory mode, then use the column stalk to select Neutral (push up twice for N).
- If you cannot supply 12V power, the EQE SUV must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground using wheel dollies or a car-carrier; do NOT tow with any wheels on the pavement, as the electric drivetrain will be damaged.
- If loading with a winch, release the electronic parking brake via the jump-start power method first, or the rear wheels will not roll.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, there is no mechanical shift-lock override accessible to the driver; you must supply external 12V power via the under-hood jump terminals to operate the shifter and release the electronic parking brake. Without 12V, the vehicle cannot be shifted and must be dollied onto a flatbed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
The EQE SUV is a full EV with electronic parking brake and no mechanical shift override. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground—permanent electric motor damage will result. Always use a flatbed or wheel dollies. The high-voltage system does not need to be active, but 12V power is required to shift to Neutral and release the parking brake.