🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 SL63 AMG R231 uses an electronic console-mounted shifter lever with an integrated shift lock override mechanism.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Locate the small circular or rectangular cap near the base of the shifter on the right side (passenger side of shifter base)
- Pry off the cap carefully with a small flathead screwdriver or your fingernail
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade into the shift lock override slot beneath the cap
- While pressing down firmly on the override mechanism, press the shifter release button and move the lever to neutral
- If the vehicle has any electrical power, keep your foot on the brake pedal during this process
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small cap located on the right side of the shifter base (passenger side); shift lock override slot is directly beneath this cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, manually unlock the driver's door with the physical key first. The shift lock override functions mechanically without power. However, the steering column will remain locked without power, requiring flatbed transport with front wheels on dollies or the entire vehicle loaded onto the bed. The electronic parking brake on R231 models may also remain engaged without power—if this occurs, the vehicle must be winched onto the flatbed.