🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 R172: Emergency Neutral
The R172 SLK uses a floor-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock and 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.
🧰 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition key to position 1 (ACC) or 2 (ON) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override cover on the right side of the shifter assembly near the base
- Use the metal key blade or a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the key or small screwdriver into the revealed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to neutral (center position)
- If no power is available, hold the override down and firmly move the shifter to the neutral center position without brake pressure
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base assembly, covered by a small removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the mechanical override still functions. Insert key or screwdriver into the override slot, press down firmly, and shift to neutral without brake pressure. The steering column will remain locked. The vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed tow truck with front wheels able to roll freely in a straight line.