🚨 2016 Audi S7: Emergency Neutral
The 2016 S7 uses a traditional console-mounted automatic transmission shifter with mechanical shift lock.
🧰 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 flat surface and apply the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition to ON/accessory mode if battery power is available (turn key to ON position or press START button without brake pedal).
- Locate the shift lock override slot—on the C7 A7/S7, this is a small rectangular slot covered by a plastic cap on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side of the shifter).
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully pry off the plastic cap covering the shift lock override slot.
- Press the brake pedal and simultaneously insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override mechanism down, move the shifter from Park to Neutral.
- Once in Neutral, release the override and replace the plastic cap.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot covered by a plastic cap on the left side (driver's side) of the shifter base at the console.
With zero electrical power
The C7 S7 shifter uses a mechanical shift lock override that does not require electrical power. Even with a completely dead battery, the mechanical override will allow you to shift to Neutral. However, without power, the steering wheel will be locked—you'll need to unlock it manually or have the vehicle placed on a flatbed or dollies.