🚨 2024 Audi A5: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 A5 continues with the console-mounted P-R-N-D lever shifter and electronic shift lock from the previous generation.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON (or press START without brake pedal twice) to energize the shift interlock system.
- If the brake light switch has failed but you have battery power, locate the shift lock override slot—a small rectangular opening with a removable cap—on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim.
- Remove the cap by prying gently with a flathead screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a flathead screwdriver, key, or small tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving the lever to Neutral.
- If the shifter will not release, ensure the ignition is ON and you are pressing the override deep enough—these overrides require firm pressure.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can roll freely; maintain brake pressure or use wheel chocks.
Shift-lock override location
Small capped rectangular slot on the left side of the shifter base, below the shifter button, near the console surface.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shifter will not release even with the override. You must jump-start the 12V battery or connect a portable jump pack to gain enough power to turn the ignition ON, which energizes the shift lock solenoid. The override then becomes functional.