🚨 2010 Audi A5: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 A5 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake pedal interlock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (or ACC if battery is weak but not completely dead) to power the shift lock solenoid.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a removable plastic cap on the console, typically to the right side of the shifter base or directly in front of it.
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or your fingernail.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the override slot and push down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead, see 'No Power' section below.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cap on the console, typically to the right of or directly in front of the shifter base near the leather boot.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shift lock cannot be overridden using the normal method because the shifter button itself may be electrically locked. You will need to jump-start the vehicle with an external 12V source or portable jump pack to provide minimal power to the shift lock solenoid. Connect jumper cables to the battery (under hood), turn ignition to ON, then use the override procedure above. If jump-starting is impossible, the vehicle must be placed on a flatbed or dollies without shifting to neutral.