🚨 2023 Audi e-tron: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 Audi e-tron uses an electronic push-button gear selector mounted on the center console with buttons for P, R, N, and D.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 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 vehicle is on a level surface and chock the wheels before attempting to shift to neutral.
- If the 12V battery has any charge, press the brake pedal and press the 'N' button on the center console to shift into neutral.
- If the 12V battery is completely dead and you need to move the vehicle with no power, you must jump-start or externally power the 12V battery (located under the hood) to enable the electronic shifter—there is no mechanical override for the electronic gear selector.
- Connect a jump box or donor vehicle to the 12V battery positive and negative terminals under the hood.
- Once 12V power is restored, turn the ignition on by pressing the start button without pressing the brake pedal.
- Press and hold the brake pedal, then press the 'N' button to shift into neutral.
- If the shift interlock is preventing shifting (brake light switch failure), look for a small shift lock override release—this is typically a small cap or cover near the base of the center console shifter area that can be pried off to access a manual release button or slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the override slot and press down while pressing the 'N' button.
Shift-lock override location
Small cap near the push-button shifter assembly on the center console, typically to the side or rear of the button panel (exact location varies; consult owner's manual if not immediately visible)
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not function at all. You MUST restore 12V power via jump-starting or external battery connection to shift out of Park. The high-voltage traction battery does not power the shifter—only the 12V system does.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The e-tron must be loaded onto a flatbed truck with all four wheels off the ground. Do NOT tow with any wheels on the ground, even in neutral, as this can severely damage the electric drive system. If the vehicle cannot shift to neutral and must be dragged onto a flatbed, use wheel dollies under the driven wheels.