🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL550 X166: Emergency Neutral
The X166 GL550 uses a floor-mounted console lever shifter with electronic shift interlock and requires electrical power for normal transmission operation.
✓ 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 a level surface and parking brake is engaged
- Turn the ignition to position 2 (ON) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override - look for a small cover or slot on the right side of the shifter base near the console trim
- If there is a cover, use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry it off
- With your foot firmly on the brake pedal, insert a screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override mechanism down, attempt to move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If successful, remove the tool and replace any cover removed
- If the vehicle must be moved without any electrical power, follow the no-power procedure below
Shift-lock override location
Small cover or slot on the right side of the shifter base on the center console - exact position may vary slightly by model year but should be adjacent to the shifter mechanism
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: The X166 transmission shift lock is electronically controlled and may require at least minimal electrical power. If the override does not work with zero power, you must jump-start the vehicle using a portable jump pack or donor vehicle to provide 12V power to the system. Once minimal power is available, use the shift lock override procedure immediately to shift to Neutral. The transmission control module requires power to release the park pawl in many cases. If unable to restore any power, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground.