🚨 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL: Emergency Neutral
The R129 SL uses a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock.
✓ 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
- Apply parking brake and chock wheels securely
- Turn ignition key to position II (ON) if battery has any charge remaining
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal
- If the shifter releases from Park, move to Neutral and stop here
- If shifter remains locked, locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base (a small rectangular opening, often with a cover cap)
- Remove the cover cap if present by prying gently with a flat blade
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade into the override slot
- Press down or push inward on the override mechanism while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park
- Move shifter to Neutral position
- If battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be turned on, you may need to jump-start or connect external power to release the steering lock before the vehicle can roll freely
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base console, small rectangular slot often covered by a removable cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the steering lock will remain engaged even if you shift to Neutral. You must supply external power (jump box or jumper cables) to turn the ignition to position II to release the steering lock before the vehicle can roll. The shift lock override is mechanical and will work without power.