🚨 1991 Audi 200: Emergency Neutral
The 1991 Audi 200 (C3) uses a floor-mounted console shifter with a button on the shift knob for gear selection.
🧰 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 the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position if you have any battery power.
- Press and hold the brake pedal if power is available.
- If the shifter will not release from Park, look for a shift lock override access point on the console near the shifter base.
- The override is typically accessed via a small cover or slot on the console, often forward or to the right of the shifter.
- Remove any cover cap and insert a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot.
- Press down on the override mechanism while pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or towed.
Shift-lock override location
Small access cover or slot on the center console near the shifter base, typically forward or to the right side of the shifter mechanism
With zero electrical power
With no battery power, the mechanical shift lock override should still function. Use a tool to press the override mechanism while shifting to Neutral. The ignition position does not affect the mechanical override.