🚨 2023 Audi RS3: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 RS3 uses an electronic S tronic dual-clutch transmission shifter with a conventional lever-style console-mounted selector.
🧰 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press start button without brake pedal, or use emergency key slot if battery is completely dead).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Locate the shift lock override slot—look for a small rectangular cap or cover on the left side of the shifter base console.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade to pry off the override cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter to Neutral.
- If moving to a flatbed, you may continue to Park position once on the truck bed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base console (driver's side of the shifter)
With zero electrical power
With zero power, you cannot activate the shift lock release electronically. Use the mechanical shift lock override: locate the override slot cover left of the shifter base, remove the cap, insert a tool (screwdriver or emergency key), press down, and shift to Neutral. The vehicle can then be rolled or winched onto a flatbed.