🚨 2009 Audi R8: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 R8 with R tronic dual-clutch transmission uses a center console-mounted sequential shift lever with gated pattern.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 ON position (or ACC if battery has minimal charge).
- Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the center console—it is a small rectangular opening with a removable cap, located just forward and to the right of the shift lever base.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade to remove the override cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shift lever from P to N.
- The shift lever should release; maintain brake pressure until the lever is fully in N.
- Release the brake pedal and verify the vehicle is secure.
- Replace the override cap after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular capped slot located just forward and to the right of the shift lever base on the center console
With zero electrical power
The R tronic system requires at least minimal 12V power to release the shift lock mechanism, even with the manual override. With a completely dead battery, connect a jump box or jump start the vehicle to provide power to the ignition (ACC or ON position) before attempting the override procedure. Without any electrical power, the transmission remains locked and the vehicle must be flatbed towed.