🚨 2022 Audi A5: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 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 any battery power remains
- Locate the shift lock override cover on the right side of the shifter base assembly
- Carefully pry off the small override access cover using a flat-blade screwdriver
- 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 completely dead with no power, maintain firm pressure on the override and manually shift to Neutral
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot located on the right side of the shifter base, adjacent to the leather boot trim
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the mechanical shift lock override still operates. Insert a tool into the override slot, apply firm downward pressure, and manually move the shifter to Neutral. The mechanism disengages mechanically without requiring power. If the parking pawl is binding, gently rock the vehicle back and forth to relieve transmission pressure.