🚨 2016 Audi A5: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 A5 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever 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 the ON/ACC position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override access cover on the right side of the shifter base, next to the leather boot
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the small rectangular override cover
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or key into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power is available, continue holding the override down and manually move the shifter to Neutral—it may require moderate force
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the leather boot; override slot is directly underneath
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Insert the tool into the override slot and apply downward pressure while manually moving the shifter to Neutral. The shift lock mechanism is mechanical and does not require power to be overridden. You may need to rock the vehicle slightly if the parking pawl is under load.