🚨 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 SL55 AMG (R230 generation, final year) uses a traditional floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift 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
- 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.
- Locate the shift lock override access: on the left side of the shifter base, there is a small rectangular cover/cap.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover.
- With the brake pedal pressed (if power available), insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while pulling the shifter out of Park.
- If no power: insert the tool into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward Neutral—you may need moderate force.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base at the console; override slot is directly beneath this cover.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the override slot still functions mechanically. You will need to physically depress the override mechanism with a tool while applying force to move the shifter. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded—it cannot be steered.