🚨 2002 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 S4 (B5 generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift lock.
✓ 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 parking brake is firmly engaged and the vehicle is on level ground.
- Turn the ignition key to the ON/ACC position if battery power is available.
- Locate the shift lock override slot: it is a small rectangular opening with a plastic cover cap located on the left side of the shifter base, toward the driver's side.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the plastic cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter out of Park.
- The vehicle can now be shifted to Neutral.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base (driver's side), under a small plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With no electrical power, the mechanical shift lock override will still function. Use the override slot method above—no battery power is required to release the shifter mechanically. The key does not need to be turned.