🚨 2007 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2007 S4 (B7 generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with Tiptronic functionality and an electronic shift lock tied to the brake pedal.
✓ 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 or properly chocked.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start the engine) to energize the shift lock system if battery power is available.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shifter button on the front of the shift lever and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shift lock will not release with the brake pedal depressed (failed brake-light switch or low battery), locate the shift lock override.
- Remove the small rectangular trim cover on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side - this may require gently prying with a trim tool or flathead screwdriver wrapped in cloth.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver, key, or similar tool into the exposed override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move to Neutral.
- If successful, the vehicle can now be rolled or loaded; leave the shifter in Neutral for transport.
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base console, under a small rectangular trim cover - the override slot is directly beneath this cover and requires a tool inserted vertically to depress the release mechanism.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shift lock will not function. You must use the mechanical shift lock override: remove the trim cover on the left side of the shifter base, insert a tool into the override slot, press down firmly, and simultaneously press the shifter button to move to Neutral. The ignition does not need to be in any particular position when using the mechanical override.