🚨 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK320 R170: Emergency Neutral
The 2004 SLK320 R170 uses a floor-mounted console shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and wheels are chocked
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 or 2 (accessory or on) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the override cap
- Insert the key or a small flathead screwdriver straight down into the override slot while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the shifter to neutral
- If successful, leave the shifter in neutral and remove the key from the override slot
- Replace the override cap after the vehicle is moved
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap that pries off to reveal the override slot
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically. The override slot bypasses the electronic interlock entirely. You may need to manually unlock the steering lock by inserting the key and attempting to turn it gently while moving the steering wheel slightly. If the battery is completely dead and you cannot unlock the steering, the vehicle must be towed with front wheels off the ground or on a flatbed.