🚨 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350 W163: Emergency Neutral
The W163 ML350 uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake pedal switch.
🧰 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
- Apply the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side
- Remove the plastic cover by prying gently with a small flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- If the vehicle must be started in Neutral, continue holding the override and move to Park after starting, or keep your foot firmly on the brake
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap; the slot is oriented vertically
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override is mechanical and will still function. However, the ignition lock steering wheel may remain locked. If the steering wheel is locked and cannot be turned, the vehicle may need to be towed with the front wheels off the ground or on a flatbed. The override slot works without any electrical power.