🚨 2017 Audi S6: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 S6 (C7 generation) uses a console-mounted electronic shifter with a shift-lock override slot.
🧰 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
- Set the parking brake firmly and chock the wheels
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge remaining
- Locate the small rectangular override slot on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter)
- Remove the small rubber cap or plastic cover from the override slot
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade into the slot
- Press down firmly on the override release while simultaneously pulling the shifter toward you and moving it to Neutral
- Keep the brake pedal depressed during this operation if you have any electrical power
- If successful, the shifter will release and can be moved to N
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular cap or cover
With zero electrical power
With completely dead battery, the electronic shifter may not release even with the mechanical override. You may need to jump-start the 12V battery momentarily to provide enough power for the shift-lock solenoid to release. The override is mechanical but the shifter electronics still require some voltage. If jumping is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all wheels off the ground using dollies or a wheel-lift may damage the quattro drivetrain.