🚨 2018 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG W463: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 G65 AMG uses a traditional center console-mounted PRND selector lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or position 2 (ON) if battery has any remaining charge
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot
- Insert the screwdriver or key fully into the exposed slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and moving to Neutral
- If the battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be powered, the override will still mechanically release the shifter lock - maintain downward pressure on the override while shifting
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or winched onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base near the driver, under a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the override mechanism still functions mechanically. You will not have power steering or brake assist, so use extreme caution. The ignition does not need to be on for the override to work, but you must maintain constant pressure on the override button while moving the shifter.