🚨 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 EQE uses a column-mounted monostable (spring-return) electronic shifter stalk on the right side of the steering column.
✓ 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
- Locate the small shift lock override cover on the right side of the steering column, near the base of the shifter stalk
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover
- With the cover removed, you will see a small slot or button
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press/hold it down
- While holding the override, push the shifter stalk down into the Drive position, then push it down again to cycle through to Neutral
- The transmission should now be in Neutral - verify by attempting to roll the vehicle slightly (with appropriate safety measures)
- If the electronic shifter is completely non-responsive, you may need to access the transmission directly - this requires lifting the vehicle and locating the manual release on the transmission itself
Shift-lock override location
Small cover on the right side of the steering column near the base of the electronic shifter stalk
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter and shift lock override may not function at all. Mercedes-Benz EVs have a 12V battery that powers accessories even when the high-voltage system is down. If the 12V battery is completely dead, you will need to provide external 12V power via jump-start points under the hood, or access the mechanical release directly at the transmission (requires lifting vehicle). The EQE has jump-start terminals under the hood - connect an external 12V source to provide minimal power to release the shift lock.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The EQE is a rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle with a permanent magnet motor (AWD models have two motors). NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground - the motor(s) will generate current and can be severely damaged. The vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Do not attempt to tow or roll the vehicle any significant distance even in Neutral. Movement should be limited to loading onto a flatbed only.