🚨 2016 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 S4 (B8.5 generation) uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with a linear gate and electronic shift lock.
✓ 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 (do not need to start the engine) to provide power to the shift lock system.
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly.
- Press the shifter release button on the side of the shifter knob and move the selector to N (Neutral).
- If the shift lock will not release with ignition ON and brake applied, locate the shift lock override slot—it is a small rectangular opening covered by a removable cap on the console trim directly forward of the shifter base.
- Remove the cap by gently prying with a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pressing the shifter button and moving to N.
- Once in Neutral, the vehicle can be moved or loaded onto a flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on console trim directly forward of the shifter base
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery (no 12V power), the electronic shift lock cannot be powered. You must use the manual shift lock override: remove the cap forward of the shifter base, insert a screwdriver into the override slot, press down firmly, and move the shifter to N. The override is purely mechanical and does not require electrical power.