🚨 2023 Audi S7: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 S7 uses a traditional console-mounted electronic shifter lever with a release button on the side.
✓ 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 a flat surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- Turn the ignition to ON position (press START button without brake pedal) to energize the shift-lock system.
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is typically under a small rectangular cap directly adjacent to the shifter base on the right side (driver's perspective).
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or similar tool to pry off the override cap.
- Insert the physical key blade or a small screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the shifter release button and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no electrical power at all, see 'noPowerNotes' below.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap adjacent to shifter base on right side; exact position may vary slightly by model year—check immediately around shifter base
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shifter will not release. You must jump-start the 12V battery (located in trunk/engine bay) to at least minimal voltage, then use the override procedure. If jump-start is impossible, the transmission must be placed in neutral via the transmission itself (underneath vehicle, requires professional access to shift cable or transmission park pawl release—NOT a DIY procedure).