🚨 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI W164: Emergency Neutral
The W164 uses a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock integrated into the gear selector lever.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 if battery has any remaining power
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the gear selector
- Remove the cap by prying it carefully with a flat-blade screwdriver or your fingernail
- While depressing the brake pedal (if power is available), insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or key into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral
- If the electronic steering lock engages with no power, you may need to jump-start the 12V battery minimally to unlock the steering wheel before the vehicle can be safely moved
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base (driver's side), small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override will still function mechanically, but the electronic steering lock may remain engaged. You will need at minimum a jump pack or jumper cables to provide enough power to unlock the steering column. Connect power, turn ignition to position 1, then use the shift lock override procedure.