🚨 2012 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 S4 (B8.5 generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission lever with Tiptronic manual mode.
✓ 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 vehicle is on a flat surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (press START/STOP button without pressing brake pedal) to energize the shift interlock system.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shift lever release button on the front of the shift knob and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the shift interlock will not release electrically, locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small covered slot near the base of the shifter console on the driver's side.
- Remove the small plastic cover cap using a flat tool or your fingernail.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the override slot and push down while pressing the shifter button and moving to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the driver's side base of the shifter console, typically forward and to the left of the shifter lever base
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead battery, you cannot energize the shift interlock electrically. You must use the mechanical shift lock override: remove the small cover near the shifter base, insert the key blade or small screwdriver into the override slot, and push down while manipulating the shifter to Neutral. The steering wheel will remain locked, so the vehicle must be towed with front wheels off the ground or on a flatbed.