🚨 2004 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2004 S4 (B6 generation) features a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift interlock.
🧰 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 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 release: there is a small plastic cover on the console to the left of the shifter (driver's side of the shifter base).
- Pry off the small plastic cover using a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Replace the cover after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base console, under a small removable plastic cover
With zero electrical power
The mechanical shift lock override works without electrical power. Follow the override slot procedure above even with a completely dead battery—no ignition position is required for the mechanical release.