🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC X166: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 GL350 BlueTEC (X166, first year of new generation) uses a console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with push-button release.
🧰 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 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 provide minimal power via jump box (at least 9V) to activate the shifter electronics. For flatbed recovery with dead battery, loading with all wheels on the deck is safest. Some technicians report success accessing the transmission range selector linkage from underneath if absolutely necessary.