🚨 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML: Emergency Neutral
The 2008 ML-Class (W164) uses a traditional floor-mounted console lever with electronic shift-lock 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ACC or ON) if battery has any remaining charge
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening covered by a trim cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the trim cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot and press firmly downward
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the shifter will not move and you have no electrical power at all, see noPowerNotes below
- Once in Neutral, you can release the override; replace the trim cap after moving the vehicle
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base at floor level, under a small rectangular trim cap approximately 1 inch long
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with the override. Attempt a jump-start to restore minimal power (ignition position 1 is sufficient). If jump-start is not possible, the transmission must be placed in neutral mechanically: this requires accessing the transmission from underneath the vehicle on a lift, locating the manual shift lever on the driver's side of the transmission, and rotating it to the neutral position—this is a specialist/tow-operator procedure and not DIY-safe on the ground.