🚨 1998 Mercedes-Benz S320 W140: Emergency Neutral
The W140 S-Class uses a traditional column-mounted gear selector with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake pedal switch.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground or chocked.
- Turn the ignition key to position II (ON) if battery power is available—this energizes the shift interlock system.
- Locate the shift lock override: it is a small rectangular access slot on the right side of the steering column shroud, just above and to the right of the shifter stalk base.
- Remove the small plastic cover or cap from the override slot (it may be labeled or unmarked).
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly to mechanically release the shift lock.
- While holding the override down, move the column shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, release the override tool and replace the cover.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the right side of the steering column shroud, just above and to the right of the shifter stalk base, covered by a removable cap.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery and no jump source, the electronic shifter interlock cannot be released electrically. The mechanical override slot is your only option—no ignition power is strictly required for the override mechanism itself, but you may need a jump pack or another vehicle to turn the ignition to position II if the mechanical override alone does not allow movement. If the steering lock is also engaged with zero power, you may need to jump the battery minimally to release both the steering and shift locks before using the override.