🚨 2001 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2001 S4 (B5 chassis) uses a console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with electronic shift lock and a traditional PRND gate.
✓ 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 wheel chocks are in place.
- Turn the ignition key to the ON/ACC position if the battery has any charge - this may allow normal shift lock release by pressing the brake.
- If the battery is dead or the brake-shift interlock has failed, locate the shift lock override release.
- The override access is typically located on or near the shifter console - look for a small rectangular or circular cap/cover near the base of the shifter on the driver's side.
- Remove the override cover (may require a small flathead screwdriver to pry gently).
- Insert a key, small screwdriver, or pen into the override slot and press down firmly to mechanically release the shift lock solenoid.
- While maintaining pressure on the override, move the shifter from Park through the gate to Neutral.
- The vehicle can now be moved or towed (AWD Quattro models should use flatbed or tow with front wheels off the ground).
Shift-lock override location
The shift lock override is generally located near the shifter base on the console, typically on the left side (driver's side) of the shifter mechanism under a small removable cap
With zero electrical power
The B5 S4 shift lock override is mechanical and works with zero battery power. No electrical power is needed to release the shifter using the override. The override physically moves the shift lock pawl out of the way, allowing the shifter cable to move freely to Neutral.