🚨 2012 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Sprinter uses a column-mounted shifter with a traditional PRND gate and a mechanical shift lock.
✓ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition key to position I (ACC) or II (ON) if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening on the left side of the shifter housing on the column, covered by a small plastic cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the key itself to pry off the small plastic cover over the override slot
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, ignition key, or similar tool straight into the override slot and press firmly inward
- While holding the override pressed in, press the brake pedal (if any power remains) and move the shifter to N
- If no power: continue holding the override tool pressed in and apply firm downward pressure on the shifter lever to move it to neutral - you may need to rock the vehicle slightly to relieve transmission load
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot on the left side of the column shifter housing, covered by a removable plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the override slot still functions mechanically. Insert the tool into the override slot, press firmly inward, and apply strong downward pressure on the shifter lever itself to move it to neutral. You may need to rock the vehicle back and forth slightly to relieve pressure on the parking pawl. The steering wheel will be locked, so the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed - it cannot be pushed or towed with wheels on the ground.