🚨 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML350 W164: Emergency Neutral
The W164 ML350 features a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift interlock that prevents shifting out of Park without brake pedal application.
🧰 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 parking brake is applied and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 2 if possible (requires some battery voltage)
- Locate the shift lock release: on the right side of the shifter base, there is a small circular or rectangular cover cap
- Pry off the cover cap carefully using a small flathead screwdriver
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override depressed, press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Keep the tool inserted until the shifter is fully in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base near the passenger side, covered by a small plastic cap approximately 10mm diameter
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is mechanical and functions without battery power. However, with zero electrical power, the ignition lock may prevent key removal in Neutral, and the steering lock may engage. For flatbed towing with completely dead battery, it may be necessary to leave the key in the ignition in position 1 to prevent steering lock engagement. Some W164 models have electronic steering locks that may complicate towing if battery is completely dead.