🚨 2022 Audi R8: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 R8 uses a traditional center console-mounted shifter lever with electronic shift-lock interlock for the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
✓ 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 (or ACC if battery has some charge) - the shift lock requires at least minimal electrical power
- Press and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the override cover cap
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously moving the shifter from P to N
- If the vehicle has absolutely no electrical power, the shift lock cannot be overridden electronically - you will need to jump-start the 12V battery to gain minimal power for the override to function
- Once in neutral, the vehicle can be pushed or winched onto a flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with cover cap on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side, adjacent to the shift pattern
With zero electrical power
The R8's electronic shifter requires at least minimal 12V power to release the shift lock even with the manual override. If the battery is completely dead, you must jump-start or connect a battery maintainer to provide enough power for the override mechanism to function. The override is mechanical but requires electrical unlock.