🚨 2020 Mercedes-Benz S450 W222: Emergency Neutral
The W222 S-Class uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift-lock interlock.
✓ 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
- Turn the ignition to position II (ON) if battery power is available - this may restore shift-lock function if only the brake switch has failed
- If ignition power is unavailable or shift-lock remains engaged, locate the shift-lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, directly adjacent to the shift lever
- Remove the small rectangular cover cap by gently prying it with a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a flat-blade screwdriver or the emergency key blade into the exposed override slot
- Press the override mechanism down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shift lever button and moving the shifter to Neutral
- Keep the override tool pressed while shifting - you may need an assistant to hold the tool while you operate the shifter button and lever
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed - do not exceed 30 mph if flat-towing
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular trim cap directly adjacent to the shift lever assembly
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, you must use the shift-lock override as the electronic shifter will not function. Consider jump-starting from the auxiliary jump-start terminals under the hood (positive terminal under cover, negative ground point on engine) to restore shifter function before attempting override. The override will work mechanically without power.