🚨 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 Sprinter uses a column-mounted shift lever with electronic shift interlock requiring brake pedal depression and 12V power.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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
- Apply parking brake firmly and chock wheels front and rear.
- Turn ignition key to ON/position II (do not start engine).
- Locate the small rectangular shift lock override slot on the lower right side of the steering column shroud, adjacent to the shift lever base.
- Remove the small plastic cover cap from the override slot by prying gently with a flat screwdriver.
- While depressing the brake pedal, insert a small flat screwdriver or key blade fully into the override slot.
- Push the override tool downward/inward firmly while moving the shift lever to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely—maintain brake pressure or chock wheels before releasing override.
Shift-lock override location
Lower right side of the steering column shroud, adjacent to the shift lever base; small rectangular slot covered by a plastic cap.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the shift interlock cannot be electronically released. You must jump-start the 12V system with a portable jump pack or donor vehicle to get ignition power, then immediately use the override procedure. If jump-starting is impossible, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed with rear wheels off the ground or placed on dollies—do NOT flat-tow.