🚨 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 GLA45 AMG uses a column-mounted electronic gear selector stalk on the right side of the steering column (part of Mercedes' 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission system).
✓ 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 (or press START without brake pedal twice) to energize the transmission computer.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the gear selector stalk down past Drive toward the floor to engage Neutral—you should see 'N' appear in the instrument cluster.
- If the brake-light switch has failed and the shift interlock will not release, locate the shift lock override access.
- The override is accessed through a small rectangular plastic cap located on the right side of the steering column shroud near the base of the gear selector stalk.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to gently pry off the cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the gear selector stalk to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap on the right side of the steering column shroud near the base of the gear selector stalk
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: the electronic transmission will default to Park and cannot be shifted without power. You must either jump-start the 12V battery to get ignition power, or the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels off the ground using wheel dollies. Do NOT attempt to tow with rear wheels down as the all-wheel-drive system can be damaged.