🚨 2005 Mercedes-Benz S600: Emergency Neutral
The 2005 S600 (W220 chassis) features a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic gear selector and shift interlock integrated into the 7-speed automatic transmission system.
✓ 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 flat surface and the parking brake is firmly applied.
- Turn the ignition key to position II (on) if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override: on the center console shifter, look for a small rectangular or square plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, typically near the P position.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down firmly to release the mechanical shift lock.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral—you may need to apply steady pressure.
- If power is available but the brake switch has failed, the override bypass will allow shifting while maintaining ignition power.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be rolled or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap on the left side of the floor console shifter base, adjacent to the Park position
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the W220 electronic systems will be non-functional. The mechanical shift lock override will still work, but you must use the physical key to unlock the steering column. Note that the electronic parking brake (if equipped on some W220 variants) may remain engaged with no power—in this case, the vehicle MUST be loaded onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground. Check if rear wheels can turn freely by hand before attempting to roll the vehicle.