🚨 2018 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 SL65 AMG (R231 generation) uses a center console floor-mounted electronic shifter lever with shift-by-wire technology and electronic Park 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 set the parking brake.
- Attempt to turn the ignition to ON or ACC position if any battery power is available (push Start/Stop button without pressing brake pedal if using keyless-go).
- Locate the shift lock override—on the R231, look for a small cover or access point on the console trim surrounding the shifter base, typically on the left side near the driver.
- Remove the small plastic cover using a trim tool or flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a screwdriver or key blade into the revealed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override mechanism down, attempt to move the shifter lever from Park to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not move, ensure you are pressing the override fully and that the ignition is in an ON state.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the shifter console trim, near the base of the shifter lever
With zero electrical power
The R231 generation uses electronic shift-by-wire, which requires at least some 12V power to release the Park pawl. With completely dead battery, the override alone may not be sufficient. You must provide external 12V power (jump box, jump-start, or battery maintainer) to energize the transmission control module and shift solenoids. In extreme cases where no power can be supplied, the transmission must be placed in transport mode by a qualified technician or the vehicle must be flatbedded with all wheels off the ground.