🚨 2020 Audi A5: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 A5 uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with 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 ON/ACC position if battery power is available
- Locate the shift lock override access cover on the right side of the shifter base assembly
- Carefully pry off the small override cover using a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while pressing the brake pedal (if power available)
- Move the shifter rearward to Neutral
- If completely dead, hold the override down with firm pressure and manually shift to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the boot trim
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override remains functional. Insert a tool into the override slot, apply firm downward pressure to release the lock mechanism, and manually move the shifter to Neutral. The mechanism is mechanical and does not require electricity. If the parking pawl is binding under load, gently rock the vehicle to relieve transmission pressure.