🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz S450 W222: Emergency Neutral
The W222 S-Class uses a Mercedes-Benz column-mounted electronic shifter stalk on the right side of the steering column.
✓ 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 vehicle is on a level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ON/RUN position (push start button without brake pedal twice) to energize the shifter electronics
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Push the column shifter stalk down past the detent to engage Neutral
- Release the stalk and verify 'N' is displayed in the instrument cluster
- If the shifter remains locked and will not move despite brake application, locate the shift lock override slot in the column shroud near the base of the shifter stalk
- Remove the small plastic cover (pry gently with a trim tool or flathead screwdriver)
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and push down while simultaneously moving the shifter stalk to Neutral
- Once in Neutral, you can push the vehicle or prepare it for towing
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot in the steering column shroud near the base of the shifter stalk assembly on the right side of the column
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic column shifter will not function at all. You must jump-start the vehicle or connect an external 12V power source to the battery to provide enough power to release the shift interlock and move the shifter to Neutral. The override slot requires at least minimal electrical power to disengage the solenoid. If jump-starting is impossible, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed with wheels skidding—rear-wheel-drive models should be loaded front-first if possible to protect the transmission.