🚨 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 EQS SUV uses Mercedes' Electronic Drive Selector (EDS) column-mounted stalk shifter 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.
- Attempt to power on the vehicle by pressing the START/STOP button with the key fob nearby (even with low 12V battery, the system may have enough reserve to shift).
- If the vehicle powers on, press the brake pedal and move the column stalk DOWN to select N (Neutral).
- If the vehicle will not power on due to dead 12V battery, you must jump-start or charge the 12V battery sufficiently to power the electronic shifter—there is no mechanical override for the electronic column stalk.
- Once the 12V system has minimal power, access the vehicle menu via the center screen, navigate to Vehicle > Towing, and activate 'Transport Mode' or 'Tow Mode' which will place the drive unit into neutral and disengage the parking brake.
- If the 12V battery is completely dead and cannot be jumped, the EQS SUV cannot be shifted into neutral—it must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or using wheel dollies.
With zero electrical power
With absolutely no 12V power, the electronic shifter and drive unit cannot be released. You must either jump-start the 12V battery to restore minimal electrical function, or use a flatbed/wheel dollies. The 12V battery is located in the rear cargo area under the floor panel—access it for jump-starting.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
WARNING: The EQS SUV is a full battery-electric vehicle with electronically controlled drive units. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground unless Transport Mode is properly activated via the vehicle menu. Improper towing will cause severe damage to the drive motors. Always use a flatbed or wheel dollies with Transport Mode disabled if 12V power cannot be restored.