🚨 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Emergency Neutral
The 1998 S-Class (W140 generation) uses a traditional column-mounted gear 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 a flat surface and apply the parking brake fully.
- Turn the ignition key to position II (ignition on) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the lower right side of the steering column shroud, near the base of the shifter.
- Remove the small rectangular plastic cover (approximately 1 inch wide) to expose the override slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the slot and push down firmly while simultaneously moving the gear selector to Neutral.
- If successful, remove the screwdriver and verify the shifter remains in Neutral.
- The vehicle can now be moved or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Lower right side of the steering column shroud near the shifter base, behind a small rectangular plastic cover
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the column lock may engage on some models. If the override does not work with zero power, the steering column cover may need removal to access the mechanical shift lock cable directly. In worst case, the transmission pan has a mechanical release accessible from underneath, but this requires lifting the vehicle.