🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 S65 AMG (W221 generation) uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with a gate pattern and electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 shift lock override cover, a small rectangular cap on the console immediately forward of the shifter base on the left side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to N
- If the shifter still won't move, ensure you're pressing the override fully—you should feel resistance release
- Once in neutral, verify wheels can roll freely before winching or pushing
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover forward and to the left of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the override slot mechanically releases the shift lock—no electrical power is needed for the override to function. However, you may need to manually unlock the steering column lock. If steering remains locked and battery is completely dead, the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded with front wheels off the ground.