🚨 2016 Audi RS7: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 RS7 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shift lever with electronic shift lock integrated into the base.
🧰 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 level ground and the parking brake is firmly engaged.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery power is available (do not need to start engine).
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shift lock release button on the shifter and move the lever to Neutral.
- If no power is available, locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, near the bottom of the gear selector housing.
- Remove the small cover cap (if present) to expose the override slot.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the override slot.
- While pressing down on the override mechanism with the tool, move the shifter to Neutral.
- The vehicle can now be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base near the bottom of the gear selector housing, typically covered by a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, use the mechanical shift lock override slot with a screwdriver or key blade while manually moving the shifter to Neutral. The override bypasses all electronic interlocks.