🚨 2015 Audi R8: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 R8 with S tronic DCT transmission uses a traditional gated console shifter with positions for P, R, N, D/S and manual +/- mode.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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
- Insert the key and turn to the ON position (or press the start button without pressing the brake pedal to get accessory power)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Press the small release button on the left side of the shifter near the base (this is the shift lock release button)
- While holding the brake and the release button, move the shifter rearward from P through R to N (neutral)
- If there is NO electrical power at all, locate the shift lock override slot
- Remove the small rectangular trim cover on the left side of the shifter base (it may pry out with a flat tool)
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the key blade into the exposed slot and press down to mechanically release the shift lock
- While holding the override depressed, move the shifter to Neutral
- The vehicle can now roll freely - ensure it is properly secured before releasing the brake
Shift-lock override location
Under a small rectangular trim cover on the left side of the shifter base; the mechanical release slot is accessed by inserting a tool into this opening
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, use the mechanical shift lock override under the trim cover on the left side of the shifter base. Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key blade into the slot and depress while moving the shifter to N. The transmission will be in true neutral and the vehicle can roll freely.