🚨 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS580 X167: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 GLS580 X167 uses a center console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with a locking button on the front of the 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 parking brake is firmly applied and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition to position II (ON) if battery power is available; if not, see No Power Notes below.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override cover on the center console, directly adjacent to the left side of the gear selector base.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the shift lock override cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or a similar thin tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pressing the selector button and moving the lever to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has power, the transmission will engage Neutral; if no power, the mechanical release allows the lever to move but the transmission may not fully disengage—see towing precautions.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover directly to the left of the gear selector base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter and transmission control module are inoperative. The shift lock override will allow you to move the selector lever mechanically, but the transmission may not actually shift into Neutral electronically. You will need to provide 12V power (jump start or auxiliary battery connection) to wake the transmission computer, then use the override procedure. If power cannot be restored, the vehicle must be flatbed towed with all wheels off the ground or dollies under the rear wheels (AWD model).