🚨 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 R171: Emergency Neutral
The R171 SLK300 uses a traditional PRND console-mounted gate 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if 12V battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base in the console.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the cover cap exposing the override slot.
- While pressing the brake pedal (if power is available), insert the screwdriver straight down into the override slot and press firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Release the override tool and reinstall the cap cover.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap on the left side of the shifter base in the center console
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot use ignition position. The mechanical shift lock override still functions - skip the ignition step, insert the tool into the override slot without pressing the brake, push down firmly on the override, and shift to Neutral. You may need to use additional force as the shifter detent mechanism will be stiffer without electrical assist.