🚨 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 GLA (X156) uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever that moves through a traditional PRND gate and returns to center position.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake if it engages (may not work with dead battery).
- Turn the ignition to ON position if possible (use emergency key to unlock and press start button without brake pedal, or press twice).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift-lock override access: on the center console, look for a small rectangular or circular cover directly in front of or to the right of the shifter base.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the release button on the shifter and moving it rearward to N.
- The shifter should release and move to neutral position.
- If the transmission indicator shows N on the instrument cluster, the vehicle is ready to roll.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the center console directly adjacent to the shifter base, typically forward or right side—exact location may vary slightly by production date, check near the front right corner of the shifter surround.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, even the override may not function on this electronic shifter. To move the vehicle: 1) Connect a jump pack or jumper cables to restore minimal 12V power, 2) Turn ignition to position 2/ON (two presses of start button without brake, or use key), 3) Use override procedure above. If no jump source is available, the transmission cannot be reliably shifted to neutral mechanically—vehicle must be loaded onto flatbed with front wheels on dollies or using wheel lift. Do not attempt to tow with drive wheels on ground.