🚨 2005 Mercedes-Benz ML500 W163: Emergency Neutral
The W163 ML500 uses a traditional console-mounted PRND selector lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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 level ground and parking brake is firmly applied
- Turn the key to position 1 (ACC) or position 2 (ignition on) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override cover on the right side of the shifter base
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power available, continue holding the override down and physically move the shifter to Neutral - this may require moderate force
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or rolled
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the right side of the shifter base, accessed by prying off the cover to reveal the mechanical override slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. You must physically hold down the override mechanism while moving the shifter - it may require more force than normal. The key does not need to be in any position for the mechanical override to work.