🚨 2012 Mercedes-Benz S600: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 S600 (W221 generation) uses a traditional column-mounted shift lever with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly applied
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 2 (ACC or ON) if possible to provide power to the shifter mechanism
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the lower left side of the steering column shroud, below and slightly forward of the shift lever
- Remove the small plastic cap covering the override slot (may require a flat-blade screwdriver to pry gently)
- While pressing the brake pedal (if 12V power is available), insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or the key into the override slot and press firmly down
- While holding the override down, move the shift lever forward to Neutral
- If successful, the shift indicator will show N and the vehicle can roll
Shift-lock override location
Lower left side of the steering column shroud, below the shift lever—small rectangular slot covered by a plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic column lock may prevent any shifter movement even with the override. Jump-start the vehicle or connect a portable jump pack to at least ACC power before attempting the override procedure. If column lock is engaged and no power is available, the vehicle cannot be shifted and must be lifted/dollied with front wheels off the ground.