🚨 2017-2024 Audi A5: Emergency Neutral
The 2017-2024 A5 (B9 generation) features a modern console-mounted electronic shifter with a compact lever design and 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
- Attempt to turn the ignition to ON/ACC position if any battery power remains
- Locate the shift lock override cover—it is a small rectangular or circular cap on the right side of the shifter base assembly
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, key, or trim tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly
- While maintaining pressure on the override, press the brake pedal if power is available and move the shifter rearward to Neutral
- If completely dead with no power, continue holding the override down and manually move the shifter to Neutral with firm, steady pressure
Shift-lock override location
Small covered access slot located on the right side of the shifter base assembly, typically just forward or adjacent to the leather boot trim
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override functions mechanically without electrical power. Insert the tool into the override slot, apply firm downward pressure, and move the shifter to Neutral. The mechanism will disengage mechanically. If the transmission parking pawl is binding, rock the vehicle gently back and forth to relieve pressure before attempting to shift.