🚨 2006 Mercedes-Benz S600: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 S600 (W221 chassis, first year of new generation) features a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic gear selector, shift interlock, and integration with the 5-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 electronic parking brake is 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 plastic cap on the driver's side (left side) of the shifter base.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cap—it may be tight.
- Insert the screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pushing the release button on the shifter (if accessible).
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park through the gate to Neutral—apply steady, firm pressure.
- If power is available, the shift interlock override will allow movement even with a failed brake switch.
- Once in Neutral, verify the electronic parking brake status before attempting to move the vehicle.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular plastic cap on the left (driver's) side of the floor console shifter base, near the P position gate
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the W221 electronic systems are non-functional, including the electronic parking brake (EPB). The EPB on the 2006 W221 CANNOT be released without electrical power. In a no-power scenario, the vehicle MUST be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground—do not attempt to roll or tow it. The mechanical shift lock override allows placing the transmission in Neutral, but the rear brakes will remain locked by the EPB.