🚨 2017 Audi S7: Emergency Neutral
The 2017 S7 features a console-mounted traditional gear lever with electronic shift lock and park interlock.
✓ 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
- Engage the parking brake and verify the vehicle is on level ground
- Turn the ignition to the ON position by pressing the START button twice without depressing the brake pedal (this powers the shifter interlock solenoid)
- Locate the shift lock override release—a small rectangular slot with a plastic cover on the left side of the shifter base near the console trim
- Remove the plastic cover by prying gently with the emergency key blade or a small screwdriver
- Insert the key blade or screwdriver into the slot and press down firmly to disengage the lock mechanism
- While holding the override depressed, move the shifter rearward from Park through Reverse to Neutral
- Release the override once the shifter is securely in Neutral position
Shift-lock override location
Left side of the shifter base, small covered slot adjacent to the center console trim
With zero electrical power
If the battery is completely dead, you must first provide auxiliary power through the jump-start points under the hood. The positive terminal is located on the driver's side under a red protective cap; connect the negative to an engine ground point. Even a small amount of 12V power will allow the shift lock override to function and disengage the electronic steering lock. Without any power, the steering column lock will prevent the vehicle from rolling safely.