🚨 2023 Audi S5: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 S5 continues with a traditional console-mounted gear lever and electronic shift lock system.
✓ 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 level ground and apply the parking brake fully
- Turn the ignition to the ON position (press START without brake pedal twice) to energize the shift lock system
- Locate the shift lock override access point—a small rectangular slot with a removable cover on the left side of the shifter base
- Remove the cover cap using a flathead screwdriver or the emergency key blade
- Insert the tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, pull the shifter rearward out of Park into Neutral
- Keep foot off the brake pedal during this procedure to avoid confusing the interlock system if partially powered
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base, small covered slot near console mounting point
With zero electrical power
Without battery power, first establish auxiliary 12V through the jump-start points under the hood (positive under red cover, negative chassis ground). Even minimal power allows the shift lock override to function. The electronic steering lock also requires power to disengage—attempting to move the vehicle with zero power may damage the steering lock mechanism.