🚨 2022 Audi A4: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 A4 (B9 generation, facelift) uses a traditional PRNDSL console shifter with electronic shift lock.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if possible (even with dead battery, try key in ignition).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, near the P button.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or similar tool to gently pry off the small plastic cover cap.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar rigid tool straight down into the override slot.
- While pressing down firmly on the override, press the brake pedal and pull the shifter out of Park into Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead and the shifter will not release even with override, you may need to provide temporary 12V power via jump pack or jumper cables to energize the shifter solenoid.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the P button
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the electronic shifter may remain locked even when using the override slot. A temporary 12V jump (even briefly) usually allows the override to function. If absolutely no power is available and override does not work, the vehicle must be dollied or flatbedded without placing in neutral.