🚨 2012 Audi A6: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Audi A6 (C7 generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (push start button without brake pedal, or turn key to ON without starting).
- Locate the shift lock override: it is a small rectangular slot with a cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver or similar tool to carefully pry off the small cover cap.
- While pressing the brake pedal (if possible) and holding the shifter button, insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If brake pedal pressure is not available, the override alone should allow shifting when pressed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side
With zero electrical power
If the battery is completely dead and ignition cannot be turned on, you may need to provide auxiliary 12V power (jump pack or jumper cables) to at least power the shifter interlock electronics. With no power whatsoever, the shift lock override may still function mechanically on some units, but this is not guaranteed. Attempt the override procedure first; if unsuccessful, provide external 12V power.