🚨 2006 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2006 S4 (B7 generation, first year) features a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shift 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 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: there is a small plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the shift pattern indicator.
- Pry off the small plastic cap 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 cap after shifting.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base (driver's side), under a small plastic cap adjacent to the shift pattern
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.