🚨 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE350d W167: Emergency Neutral
The W167 GLE uses a column-mounted electronic gear selector stalk on the right side of the steering column.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 (or chock all wheels if parking brake is inoperable).
- Locate the shift-lock override access point: on the center console, find the small rectangular cap/cover directly forward and to the left of the cup holders, near the base of the center console trim.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the small rectangular cover to expose the shift-lock override slot.
- Insert a rigid tool (screwdriver, key, or Mercedes emergency key blade) into the exposed slot and press firmly downward while attempting to move the column shifter to Neutral.
- With the tool still depressing the override, move the column stalk down to the Neutral position.
- If successful, the transmission will be in Neutral and the vehicle can roll; remove the tool and replace the cover.
- For flatbed loading, ensure the steering is unlocked (turn key to accessory position if possible) to allow wheel steering during loading.
Shift-lock override location
Center console area, small rectangular cover forward and left of the cup holders near the base of the console trim; override slot accessible after removing cover.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the electronic column shifter will not function and the steering lock may engage. Jump-start the vehicle using the jump-start terminal under the hood (positive terminal under red cap on fuse box, negative ground point on engine) to provide minimal power, then use the override procedure. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be flatbedded with all four wheels off the ground; do NOT tow with any wheels on the ground as the transmission cannot be safely placed in Neutral without electrical power.