🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 R172: Emergency Neutral
The R172 SLK uses a traditional center console automatic transmission selector with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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 the parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) if you have any battery power; if completely dead, proceed to next step
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the front
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal end of the vehicle key to pry off the small cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key straight down into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal if possible and move the shifter to N
- If you have no electrical power, you may need to apply more force while pressing the override - the detent may be stiff
- Once in Neutral, the override tool can be removed and the vehicle can roll
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base near the front, under a small rectangular cover cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. You do not need battery power to use the override slot. The shifter may feel stiffer than normal, but the mechanical release will allow movement to Neutral when the override is depressed.