🚨 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC180 R172: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 SLC180 (R172 generation, post-facelift SLK) uses a traditional PRND console-mounted lever shifter 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 to position II (ON) if battery power is available; if not, skip to step 6 for no-power procedure.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override: it is a small rectangular or circular cap on the right side of the shifter base, near the lever pivot.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the mechanical key blade to carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter out of Park.
- If no electrical power is available at all: the electronic shifter requires at least minimal 12V power to release. You must jump-start the 12V battery or connect a portable jump pack to the battery (located in the trunk, right side) to energize the shift interlock solenoid, then follow steps 3-6.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed tow truck.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap on the right side of the shifter base, near the lever pivot point. Exact shape (rectangular or circular) may vary by production date.
With zero electrical power
The R172 SLC requires at least minimal 12V power to unlock the shifter electronically. The battery is located in the trunk (right side under a cover). Connect a jump pack or jumper cables to the battery terminals, wait 30 seconds for system initialization, then use the override procedure. Without any power, the shifter remains locked and the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded with rear wheels off the ground.