🚨 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 S55 AMG (W220 chassis) uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ACC or ON) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift lock override: it is a small covered slot on the left side of the shifter housing, near the base of the lever.
- Remove the small plastic cover by prying gently with a flat tool or fingernail.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key blade, or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override depressed, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to neutral.
- The override requires firm downward pressure—if the shifter won't move, ensure you're pushing the override fully.
- Once in neutral, replace the cover and confirm parking brake is engaged or wheel chocks are in place.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, under a small removable plastic cover near the bottom of the shifter housing.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery: the shift lock override works mechanically without electrical power. Remove the cover, insert tool, press firmly, and shift to neutral. No ignition power is required for this override. However, the steering column lock will engage without power, making steering impossible—vehicle must be flatbedded or towed with front wheels on dollies.