🚨 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Metris uses a column-mounted shift lever with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly applied.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (or as far as possible if battery is weak).
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
- If the shifter still won't move, locate the small shift lock override slot on the lower left side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shift lever.
- Remove the small rubber or plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the slot and press down firmly while pulling the shift lever toward you to release from Park.
- Move the shifter to Neutral while maintaining pressure on the override.
- Keep brake pedal depressed throughout the process.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the lower left side of the steering column shroud near the shift lever base; access may require looking under/around the column trim.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override mechanism is purely mechanical. You must use the override slot with a screwdriver to physically release the shifter from Park - no electrical power is needed for the override itself. However, you will not be able to turn the steering wheel without power steering, and the steering lock may engage. If flatbed towing, this is not an issue; for dolly towing, you may need to address steering lock separately or use a full flatbed.