🚨 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA35 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 GLA35 AMG uses a column-mounted electronic shifter stalk on the right side of the steering column.
✓ 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (press START button without brake pedal twice).
- If ignition powers on, move the shifter stalk DOWN once to select neutral (D→N).
- If no power or shifter won't move, locate the shift lock override access on the center console.
- Remove the small plastic cover panel on the right side of the console shifter surround (near the passenger side).
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver or key into the shift lock override slot.
- While pressing down on the override, press the shifter stalk down to neutral position.
- If the electronic shifter remains completely non-functional with no power, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground—the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system cannot be flat-towed.
Shift-lock override location
Small plastic cover on the right side of the center console near the shifter area; exact location may require removal of the console trim panel to access the mechanical shift lock release.
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the electronic shifter stalk will not function. The shift lock override provides limited mechanical release, but may not fully disengage the transmission park pawl without any battery voltage. If the battery is completely dead, charging or jump-starting even minimally (to power the shifter module) is strongly recommended. As a last resort for flatbed loading, the vehicle may need to be winched with parking brake released.