🚨 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL600 R230: Emergency Neutral
The R230 SL600 uses a traditional floor-mounted automatic shifter lever on the center console 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if battery has any remaining charge.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular slot with a cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side of the console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small cover cap.
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if possible) and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shifter still will not move, verify the key is in position 2 and the override is fully depressed, then apply more force to the shifter while holding override.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side of the center console.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter interlock may still prevent movement even with the override engaged. In this case, attempt to provide 12V power via jump-start or battery charger to at least position 2 (ignition on) before using the override. If no power source is available, the transmission may need to be placed in neutral via the transmission itself (underneath vehicle—professional assistance required).