🚨 2012 Audi R8: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 R8 with R tronic transmission uses a center console-mounted sequential shift lever with a 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 access on the center console near the shift lever base—look for a small rectangular cap that can be pried off, typically positioned forward or to the right of the lever.
- Remove the override cap using a flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade.
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shift lever from P to N.
- Once the lever is in N, release the brake pedal and verify the parking brake is secure.
- Replace the override cap after completing the shift.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular capped slot near the shift lever base on the center console, typically positioned forward or to the right of the lever
With zero electrical power
The R tronic transmission's shift interlock system requires at least minimal electrical power (ignition in ACC or ON) to release, even with the manual override engaged. With a completely dead battery, connect a jump box or jump start the vehicle to provide 12V power before attempting the override procedure. Without any electrical power, the transmission remains locked and flatbed towing is required.