🚨 2019 Mercedes-Benz SL550 R231: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 R231 SL550 uses a center console-mounted electronic gear selector lever with a push-button on the side to shift and electric shift lock.
✓ 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
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (key to position 2 or push start button without brake pedal).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the button on the side of the shifter and move the lever to N (neutral).
- If the shift lock will not release due to failed brake light switch or electrical issue, locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, typically covered by a small rectangular cap.
- Pry off the cap with a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert the ignition key or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down while moving the shifter lever to N.
- If battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be powered on, use the override slot method but note that the transmission may not physically unlock without any power—see no-power notes below.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base assembly, covered by a small rectangular cap approximately 1 inch long.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the R231's electronic transmission may not release the shift lock even with the manual override. Jump-start the battery or connect a battery maintainer to provide minimum power to the vehicle systems. If absolutely no power is available, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with wheels free or using dollies—the transmission cannot be safely forced into neutral without risking internal damage.