🚨 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 GLE63 AMG (W166 generation) uses a traditional center console-mounted electronic gear selector lever.
✓ 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 fully.
- Turn the ignition to position 2 (or push the start button twice without pressing the brake pedal) to enable accessory power.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular or circular slot with a cover cap, located on the left side of the shifter base at the console, near the driver's side.
- Remove the cover cap by prying gently with a small flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll; maintain brake pressure or have chocks ready.
- Replace the override cover cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the center console shifter base, near the driver's side edge
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, you must first restore minimal battery voltage. Connect a jump box or jumper cables to the battery (located under the hood). The positive terminal is under a red cover; the negative can be connected to an engine ground point. Once power is available, turn ignition to position 2 and follow the override procedure. Without any power, the electronic shifter and shift lock cannot be released, and the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with the front wheels on dollies or lifted.