🚨 2010 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2010 S4 (B8 generation, first North American model year) uses a console-mounted automatic transmission lever with electronic shifter controls and S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
✓ 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 release button on the side 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.
- Look for a small trim panel or cover on the console to the left of the shifter base (driver's side) - this is typically a small rectangular or square cap that can be pried up.
- Remove the trim cover carefully using a trim tool or cloth-wrapped flathead screwdriver.
- Insert a small tool (screwdriver, key, or pen) into the override slot beneath the cover and press down or push forward depending on mechanism orientation.
- While holding the override actuated, press the shifter release button and move to Neutral.
- Leave the shifter in Neutral for transport.
Shift-lock override location
Located on the console to the left side of the shifter base under a small trim cover - typically near the driver's left side of the shifter surround.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, the electronic shift lock and S tronic transmission controls will not function. Use the mechanical shift lock override by removing the trim cover near the shifter base, inserting a tool into the override slot, and actuating the release while moving the shifter to Neutral. No ignition position is required when using the mechanical override, but be aware that the transmission may be in a parking pawl state.