🚨 2024 Audi S4: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 S4 uses a traditional automatic console shifter with electronic park lock and requires ignition power for normal shifting.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ 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 level surface and apply the parking brake firmly
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button without brake pedal, or connect jump pack to battery)
- Press and hold the brake pedal
- Press the shift lock release button on the shifter and move to Neutral
- If no power is available: locate the small rectangular shift lock override cover on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or trim tool to carefully pry off the override cover
- Insert the screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while pulling the shifter toward you out of Park
- Move shifter to Neutral position
- If vehicle still will not shift, verify brake light switch operation or attempt jump starting the vehicle
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cover on the left side of the shifter base, adjacent to the console trim; override slot is directly beneath this cover
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override slot must be used with the cover removed. A small screwdriver inserted into the slot and pressed down will mechanically release the shifter lock. The ignition does not need to be on when using the override, but the brake pedal should still be depressed for safety.