🚨 2002 Audi S8: Emergency Neutral
The 2002 S8 (D2 generation) uses a floor-mounted console automatic shift lever with mechanical shift interlock.
🧰 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 parking brake is engaged
- Turn the ignition to position II (ON) if battery has any charge
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override access - there is a small rectangular cap directly forward of the shifter base on the console
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry off the rectangular cap
- Insert the ignition key or a small screwdriver into the exposed override slot and press down
- While holding the override mechanism down, press the shifter button and move to Neutral
- Vehicle can now be rolled or loaded onto flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular cap directly forward (toward the dashboard) of the shifter base on the center console
With zero electrical power
The D2 S8 shift interlock is primarily mechanical. With completely dead battery, the override should still function mechanically. Insert key or tool into override slot and hold down while pressing shifter button to release. No electrical power should be required for the mechanical override to work.