🚨 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Metris uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift interlock tied to the brake pedal.
✓ 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 level ground and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (if completely dead, skip to step 5).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not move due to failed shift interlock or dead battery, locate the shift lock override slot on the shifter console.
- The override slot is typically covered by a small rectangular cap located near the base of the shifter, often on the left side or front of the shifter housing.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the key blade to pry off the cap carefully.
- Insert the screwdriver or a similar tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has absolutely no electrical power and the electronic shifter remains locked, you may need to access the transmission range selector linkage from underneath the vehicle (requires lift/jack and mechanical knowledge).
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap-covered slot near the base of the shifter console, typically on the left or forward side of the shifter housing
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter may remain locked even with the override. If override does not work, the transmission selector cable or linkage must be manually disconnected at the transmission (underneath vehicle) to achieve neutral. This requires mechanical access and tools. A jump-start or battery connection is strongly preferred.