🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 GL-Class (X166 generation, final year before GLS renaming) uses a center console-mounted electronic selector lever with a shift-lock mechanism.
🧰 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 or 2 (ACC or ON) if battery permits; if completely dead, skip to step 5.
- Press and hold the brake pedal.
- Move the selector lever to N (neutral) if the shift interlock releases.
- If the shifter remains locked (dead battery or failed brake switch), locate the shift-lock override slot on the center console near the shifter base, typically covered by a small rectangular cap to the right or front of the shifter.
- Remove the cap carefully using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter to N.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in neutral.
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap-covered slot on the center console, typically to the right or directly in front of the shifter base.
With zero electrical power
With zero battery power, you must use the mechanical shift-lock override. The electronic parking brake will remain engaged if the battery is dead; you may need to manually release the rear brake calipers (access through wheel well, requires specific tool or manual wind-back) or flatbed the vehicle with rear wheels lifted.