🚨 2026 Audi RS5: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 RS5 uses a traditional console-mounted lever shifter with electronic shift lock controlled by the brake-light switch and ignition status.
🧰 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 parking brake is firmly engaged (pull electronic parking brake switch up; if battery dead, parking brake remains in last state).
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular access covered by a removable cap on the left side of the shifter base, near where the console trim meets the shifter housing.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the override cap.
- Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override tool down, press the shifter button on the front of the shift lever and move the shifter to Neutral.
- Remove the tool and replace the cap (if possible).
- Vehicle can now roll; proceed to load onto flatbed if battery cannot be charged.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base, small rectangular cap-covered slot near console trim junction.
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic parking brake may be stuck engaged. If unable to release parking brake electrically, vehicle cannot roll and must be winched or dollied onto flatbed with rear wheels locked. The shift lock override will allow shifter movement to Neutral, but parking brake is a separate system. Attempt jump-starting to release parking brake before towing.