🚨 1997 Mercedes-Benz S350 Turbodiesel W140: Emergency Neutral
The W140 uses a traditional column-mounted automatic transmission shifter with mechanical linkage and an electronic shift interlock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 parking brake firmly and chock wheels.
- Turn ignition key to position II (ignition on) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Depress brake pedal fully.
- If shifter releases, move to neutral; if not, proceed to override.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the lower left side of the steering column shroud, near where the shifter stalk enters the column.
- Remove the small rectangular cover cap (approximately 15mm x 10mm) by prying gently with a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot and press firmly.
- While holding the override pressed, move the shifter to neutral position.
- Remove screwdriver and replace cover cap.
Shift-lock override location
Lower left side of steering column shroud near the shifter stalk, behind a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery and ignition off, the mechanical override must be used. The shift lock is spring-loaded and the override mechanically releases it without electrical power. Ensure you maintain firm pressure on the override while shifting.