🚨 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 W167: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 GLE350 W167 uses a console-mounted electronic shift lever with a traditional PRND gate and integrated shift-lock mechanism.
✓ 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 functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if 12V power is available (this may allow normal shifting with brake pedal depressed).
- If the shifter remains locked, locate the shift-lock override access: look for a small rectangular cover/cap on the left side of the shifter base console.
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shift lever to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed.
- If the vehicle will not move freely in Neutral, check that the parking brake is fully released.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base console, accessed with a screwdriver or similar tool
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, you MUST use the shift-lock override. Jump-starting the battery first is recommended to enable normal shifting, but if unavailable, the mechanical override will work without power. The transmission will mechanically be in Park until you use the override to shift to Neutral.