🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250 X156: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 GLA250 X156 uses a traditional console-mounted gear lever with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or position 2 (ON) if battery power permits.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a plastic cap on the driver's side of the shifter base, just forward and to the left of the shift lever itself.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver fully into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shift lever to Neutral (N).
- If successful, the shifter will move freely to Neutral; keep the override depressed until the lever is fully in N position.
- Remove the tool, replace the cap, and the vehicle can now be moved or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the driver's side (left side when seated) of the shifter base, just forward of the lever pivot point.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power (completely dead battery), the electronic shifter may not release even with the override. In this case, jump-start the 12V battery to at least position 1 ignition, then use the override procedure. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or dollies under the front wheels.