🚨 2005-2008 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2005-2008 S4 spans two generations: 2005 is B6 (final year) and 2006-2008 is B7, both using console-mounted automatic transmission levers with electronic shift interlock but slightly different shifter housings.
🧰 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.
- For 2005 (B6): Locate the small plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base console.
- For 2006-2008 (B7): Locate the small plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shift pattern indicator.
- Pry off the plastic cover using a flat-blade screwdriver or trim tool.
- Insert a screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override 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 shifter base console (driver's side), under a small plastic cover; location is very similar between B6 and B7 generations
With zero electrical power
The mechanical shift lock override works without electrical power on both generations. Follow the override slot procedure above even with a completely dead battery—no ignition position is required for the mechanical release.