🚨 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Sprinter (W907 generation) uses a redesigned 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 to ON position (push start button without brake pedal, or turn key to position II).
- Locate the shift lock override access—on the W907 this is typically a small rectangular slot or cap near the base of the column shift lever.
- Remove the plastic cover cap by prying gently with a small flat screwdriver.
- While depressing the brake pedal, insert a small flat screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot.
- Press the override mechanism (push down or inward depending on orientation) while simultaneously moving the shift lever toward Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely—ensure parking brake is applied or wheels chocked before removing tool.
Shift-lock override location
Near the base of the column-mounted shift lever; look for a small plastic cap or rectangular access slot on the column shroud immediately adjacent to where the shifter emerges.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the electronic shift interlock cannot release. You must provide 12V power via jump pack or donor vehicle to energize the system enough to reach ignition-ON, then use the override procedure immediately. If jump-starting fails, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with rear wheels lifted or on dollies—flat towing is NOT recommended.