🚨 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500 R129: Emergency Neutral
The R129 SL500 uses a traditional floor-mounted console lever with electronic shift-lock tied to the brake pedal and ignition.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to position II (accessories/on) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: a small rectangular opening with a protective cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the protective cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and push down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to neutral
- If successful, the shifter will move freely to N; release the override and remove the tool
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base (driver's side), behind a small rectangular cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift-lock override will NOT work because the electronically-controlled transmission requires some 12V power to release the park pawl. You must jump-start the 12V battery to at least minimal voltage, then immediately use the shift-lock override to get to neutral. If jumping is impossible, the vehicle must be flatbed towed or dollied from the rear wheels.