🚨 2019 Audi A4: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Audi A4 (B9 generation) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 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
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and electronic parking brake is engaged
- Turn the ignition to the ON position if battery has any charge (do not start engine)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Locate the shift lock override access—look for a small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter mechanism or in the small storage area directly in front of the shifter
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the button on the shifter and move to Neutral
- If successful, replace the override cover
Shift-lock override location
Small cover on the left side of the shifter base or in the small tray area directly forward of the shifter—check both locations as B9 design varies
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the shift lock override will still function mechanically to release the shifter. However, ALL 2019 A4 models have electronic parking brake that absolutely requires 12V power to release. With dead battery, the EPB cannot be released and the vehicle MUST be flatbedded—do not attempt to tow with wheels on ground. Jump-starting or connecting an external power source is required to release EPB before rolling the vehicle.