🚨 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 GLE uses a traditional console-mounted PRND lever shifter with electronic shift-by-wire control.
✓ 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/ACC position if battery has any remaining charge (key in ignition or START/STOP button pressed without brake pedal).
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the center console—it is typically a small covered slot near the base of the shifter, often on the right side of the shifter surround.
- Remove the small plastic cover cap over the override slot (may require prying gently with a trim tool or flathead screwdriver).
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter to Neutral position.
- If ignition cannot be activated at all (completely dead battery), you may need to provide external 12V power via jump-starting terminals under the hood before the shifter will release.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the base of the shifter on the center console, typically to the right side of the shifter surround.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter remains locked. You must provide external power by connecting jumper cables or a jump pack to the positive terminal under the hood (behind a red cap) and a ground point. Once minimal power is restored, the override procedure will work. Alternatively, contact Mercedes roadside assistance for specialized unlock procedures.