🚨 2026 Audi RS7: Emergency Neutral
The 2026 RS7 uses a traditional console-mounted shift lever with electronic shift-lock interlock.
✓ 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (or press START button twice without brake pedal) to energize the shift-lock system if battery has any charge remaining.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base near the bottom of the gear selector housing.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the small plastic cover.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it to Neutral.
- If successful, the shifter will release and move to N position.
- Keep brake pedal depressed throughout if any electrical power is available; otherwise the override bypass allows mechanical release.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the bottom of the gear selector housing
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift-lock override is the only method. You will need a physical key or screwdriver to access and depress the manual release. The shifter will not illuminate and the ignition cannot energize any electronic systems, so the mechanical override is essential. Consider jump-starting the 12V battery if available before attempting the override.