🚨 2020 Audi Q3: Emergency Neutral
The 2020 Q3 uses an electronic console-mounted shift lever with pushbutton P and shift-lock interlock.
✓ 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 apply the parking brake firmly (or chock wheels if parking brake is inoperative).
- Turn the ignition to ON position if 12V power is available (key in ignition or START/STOP button pressed without brake pedal).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular cover on the console to the right side of the shifter base, near the trim surrounding the lever.
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the override cover cap.
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shift lever rearward out of Park.
- Shift to Neutral, then release the override.
- If the vehicle must be towed or pushed, keep it in Neutral and ensure the ignition is in the ON (accessory) position if possible to unlock the steering column.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the console to the right side of the shifter base, near the shifter surround trim.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you will not be able to turn the ignition to ON, but the mechanical shift-lock override will still function. Use the override slot to release the shifter into Neutral. Note that the steering column will remain locked; do NOT attempt to steer the vehicle—it must be loaded onto a flatbed or towed with the front wheels off the ground. The electronic parking brake may remain engaged if the battery is dead; if you cannot release the EPB, the vehicle must be transported on a flatbed with wheels secured.