🚨 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 ML-Class (W164) uses a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift interlock tied to the brake pedal switch and ignition.
✓ 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 engage the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition key to position 2 (ON) if the battery has any charge remaining.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not release due to dead battery or failed brake switch, locate the shift lock override slot.
- On the W164 ML, the override is typically accessed by removing a small rectangular cap on the shifter console, often located on the right side or forward face of the shifter base.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or key blade to pry off the cap.
- Insert a screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override mechanism down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no electrical power and the override does not release the shifter, the transmission shift cable must be manually manipulated from underneath the vehicle (requires mechanical access).
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or loaded.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap-covered slot on the shifter console, typically on the right side or forward face of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the shift interlock solenoid remains engaged. The manual override slot typically provides mechanical release, but if it fails, you must access the transmission selector linkage from underneath the vehicle. A jump-start or direct 12V connection to the battery is the preferred solution.