🚨 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK230 Kompressor R170: Emergency Neutral
The R170 SLK uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake-light switch.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly applied and the vehicle is on level ground or properly supported.
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (ACC) or position 2 (ON) if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot on the center console—it is a small rectangular or square opening with a removable cover cap, typically located to the right or front-right of the shifter base near the P position.
- Remove the cover cap by prying gently with a small flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if you have battery power) and move the shifter from P to N.
- If you have no battery power, continue to step under 'noPowerNotes' below.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular override slot with removable cap, located near the shifter base on the center console, typically to the right or front-right of the P position.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter interlock remains locked and the override mechanism typically still requires the ignition to be in position 1 or 2, which needs some 12V power. If the battery is totally dead, you may need to provide external 12V power via jump-start terminals under the hood or the auxiliary jump terminals in the fuse box (driver's side footwell area) to energize the ignition circuit, then use the shift-lock override. Alternatively, the vehicle may need to be placed on a flatbed with dollies under the rear wheels if no power can be restored.