🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 S63 AMG (W222 generation) uses the same column-mounted electronic shift lever with shift-by-wire technology as the 2015 model.
✓ 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
- If possible, turn the ignition to position 2 (ON) to energize the shifter electronics—the shift lever will not function without power
- If 12V power is available, press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Move the column shift lever forward (toward the dashboard) to the first detent position for Neutral
- Release the lever; it will spring back to center but the transmission should engage Neutral
- Verify Neutral engagement on the instrument cluster display
- If the electronic parking brake is applied and will not release, locate the EPB override: remove the rear seat bottom cushion, access the EPB control module under the rear seat, and follow emergency release procedures in the owner's manual supplement
Shift-lock override location
The W222 column shifter is fully electronic with no traditional mechanical shift-lock override slot. Emergency procedures require 12V power to the system or physical access to the transmission for manual valve body manipulation (dealer/specialist only).
With zero electrical power
Without 12V power, the W222 electronic shifter is completely inoperative—there is no mechanical override accessible to the driver. Jump-start the vehicle or connect a battery maintainer/jump pack to restore at least ACC power. If the vehicle cannot be powered at all, it must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or with front wheels on dollies, as the transmission cannot be placed in Neutral mechanically without specialized transmission access.