🚨 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 GL-Class (X166) uses a console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with push-button release.
✓ 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 level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ACC or ON) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock release access cover - it is a small rectangular cap on the right side of the shifter base, near the P button.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover.
- Insert a small screwdriver or metal key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal if possible and move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the shifter won't move electrically, continue holding the override and manually move the shifter lever to Neutral position.
- If moving to a flatbed, you can leave in Neutral, but be aware the steering will lock if ignition is off - the wheel must remain straight or be secured.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the right side of the shifter base, near the P button; override slot is directly underneath
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may not respond even with override pressed. You may need to access the transmission range selector directly under the vehicle or use a jump box to provide minimal power to unlock the shifter. Mercedes requires at least 9V to activate the shifter electronics in most cases. For flatbed recovery with dead battery, loading with all wheels on the deck is safest.