🚨 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE350d W167: Emergency Neutral
The W167 GLE uses a center console-mounted electronic selector lever (9G-TRONIC) similar to the W166 design but with updated styling; the lever returns to center after each shift input.
✓ 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.
- If battery power is available, turn the ignition to ON (do not start engine), press and hold the brake pedal, then move the selector lever down through positions to N (neutral).
- If there is NO battery power, locate the shift lock override: look for a small cap or access cover on the center console immediately behind or beside the selector lever base.
- Remove the cap using a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade, then insert the tool into the override slot and press down while attempting to move the selector lever to N.
- With the lever in N, the vehicle can be rolled or winched onto a flatbed.
- If the electronic selector does not respond even with the override, the transmission may require mechanical release at the transmission itself (underneath the vehicle)—flatbed towing is strongly recommended.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap or cover on the center console near the selector lever base; exact position should be confirmed in the owner's manual as W167 console layout differs slightly from W166.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, use the shift lock override near the selector lever. If the transmission does not release into neutral, a mechanical release at the transmission (under the vehicle) is required—this is a specialist procedure.