🚨 2018 Audi RS5: Emergency Neutral
The 2018 RS5 (B9 platform) features a compact electronic shifter with integrated P button and a shift-lock override slot.
🧰 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 parking brake is engaged
- Attempt to turn ignition to ON by pressing START button twice without brake pedal (if any battery charge remains)
- Locate the shift-lock override slot near the shifter base - look for a small rectangular cover on the driver's side of the shifter console
- Remove the override cap by prying gently with a flat tool or key
- Insert a small screwdriver, key, or the tool from the vehicle toolkit into the override slot
- Press the override tool down firmly to release the mechanical shift lock
- While holding the tool down, move the shifter rearward to N position
- If the electronic parking brake is engaged and cannot be released due to no power, vehicle will need jump start or must be winched onto flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot near the base of the shifter console, typically on the driver's side or front face, covered by a removable cap
With zero electrical power
With zero power, the override slot still provides mechanical release of the shift lock. However, the B9 RS5 has an electronic parking brake that requires 12V power to disengage. If the EPB is engaged with zero power, the rear wheels will remain locked and the vehicle cannot roll - jump starting or winching onto a flatbed is required.