🚨 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL550 R231: Emergency Neutral
The R231 SL550 uses a floor-mounted electronic automatic transmission lever (direct-select shifter) with electronic shift interlock in the center console.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to position 1 or 2 (ON) if battery has any charge remaining - the Start/Stop button should illuminate
- Locate the shift lock override access point: on the right side of the shifter housing, there is a small circular or rectangular cover
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the override cover cap
- Insert the emergency key (stored in the key fob) or a small screwdriver into the exposed slot
- While holding the override mechanism pressed/inserted, press the brake pedal firmly and move the shifter toward the Neutral gate position
- The shifter should release and allow movement to N
- Once in neutral, release the override and verify position by attempting to rock the vehicle slightly
- Replace the cover cap after the vehicle is moved
Shift-lock override location
Small cover cap on the right side of the shifter housing base, accessible from the passenger side of the shifter console
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter interlock will NOT release. You must provide auxiliary power through the jump-start terminals: open the hood and locate the positive terminal under the red protective cap near the right side of the engine bay, and ground to an unpainted metal point. Even minimal power (from another vehicle or jump pack) will allow the override to function. Without any 12V power restoration, the transmission remains locked in Park and the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground or with wheel dollies.