🚨 2018 Audi A8: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 A8 (D5 generation, all-new platform) uses an electronic shifter with a different design than previous D4 models, featuring a more compact electronic gear selector.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine does not need to run) to provide power to the shift-lock system
- Locate the shift-lock override: on the D5 A8, look for a small cover near the base of the shifter assembly on the center console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade to carefully remove the override cover
- Press the brake pedal firmly (if brake-light switch is functional)
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down while simultaneously attempting to move the shifter to N
- If the brake-light switch has failed, the override should allow shifting without brake pedal input
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small cover near the base of the shifter assembly on the center console - exact position may vary slightly from D4 models due to redesigned center console
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery on the D5 A8, the electronic shift-by-wire system will not function even with the override. You must provide 12V power via jump-start or portable jump pack, turn the ignition to ON position, then use the override procedure. Without any electrical power, the transmission must be mechanically released from underneath the vehicle by accessing the transmission shift mechanism directly - this is a technician/tow operator procedure requiring vehicle lift.