🚨 2022 Audi Q8: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Q8 uses an electronic shifter lever mounted on the center console that returns to center position after each gear selection.
✓ 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button without brake pedal) to energize the shift lock system
- Press and hold the brake pedal
- Move the shifter to the N (Neutral) position by pushing the shifter forward once from Park
- If the shifter will not move, locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, beneath a small rectangular cover cap
- Pry off the cover cap using a flat tool or your fingernail
- Insert a key, small screwdriver, or the emergency key from your key fob into the override slot
- Press down firmly on the override while simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and moving the shifter to Neutral
- Keep the brake pedal pressed until you have verified the vehicle is in Neutral (check the dash display)
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, under a small rectangular plastic cover cap that can be pried off
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, jump-start the vehicle using another vehicle or portable jump pack to provide enough power to release the shift lock. If jump-starting is not possible, the shift lock override must be used, but the transmission may not electronically shift without power - you may need to access the transmission directly from underneath (professional tow recommended). The override mechanism is mechanical and should function without power once accessed.