🚨 2019 Audi A5: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 A5 features a 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
- Turn the ignition to the ON position if any battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override cover—a small cap on the right side of the shifter base assembly
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the override access cover
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the 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, maintain pressure on the override and manually shift to Neutral with firm force
Shift-lock override location
Small covered access on the right side of the shifter base, near the leather boot trim
With zero electrical power
The shift lock override is mechanical and works without power. Insert the tool into the override slot, press down firmly, and manually move the shifter to Neutral. The lock will disengage mechanically. If experiencing resistance due to parking pawl load, gently rock the vehicle back and forth to relieve pressure on the transmission.