🚨 2013 Audi S5: Emergency Neutral
The 2013 S5 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic shifter with electronic shift interlock controlled by the brake pedal switch.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 level ground and apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (or ACC if battery is weak but not dead).
- Locate the shift lock override slot, which is a small rectangular opening with a cover cap on the left side of the shifter base.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small cover cap.
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and press down while simultaneously moving the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- If successful, the shifter will release and move to Neutral without pressing the brake pedal.
- Keep the override pressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base, near the bottom of the shifter assembly
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter interlock may still prevent movement even with the override. You may need to provide minimal 12V power via jump pack or jumper cables to energize the shifter release solenoid. If this fails, the transmission must be placed in neutral via the transmission itself (requires lifting vehicle and accessing transmission range selector - professional service recommended).