🚨 2007 Mercedes-Benz S600: Emergency Neutral
The 2007 S600 (W221 generation) uses a traditional console-mounted J-gate electronic shifter with a lock button on the side of the lever.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ACC or ON) if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the small rectangular shift-lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, just behind the lock button on the shifter lever itself.
- Remove the small plastic cover cap from the override slot by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar rigid tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the lock button on the shifter and move the lever rearward from P to N.
- Keep your foot on the brake pedal during this operation if the vehicle has any electrical power.
- Replace the override cover cap after successfully shifting to neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, just behind the shifter lever lock button, covered by a removable plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter may not release at all using the override on some W221 models. If the override does not work, the transmission must be placed in neutral by accessing the transmission directly from underneath the vehicle (requires lift) or the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels free. Do NOT attempt to tow with drive wheels on the ground.