🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTEC X166: Emergency Neutral
The X166 GL-Class uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ACC/ON) if battery has any power remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the right side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cap.
- With the brake pedal pressed (if power available) or without pressing it (if no power), insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter rearward through Drive to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no power and the steering is locked, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery first to unlock the steering column before attempting to move the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shift pattern indicator
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. However, the steering column will remain locked. Jump-starting the 12V battery (located in engine bay on right side) is necessary to unlock steering before the vehicle can roll freely. The override allows shifter movement even without brake pedal depression when power is absent.