🚨 2009 Audi S8: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 S8 (D3 generation) uses a floor-mounted console automatic shift lever with electronic 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 ON position if 12V power is available (do not start engine)
- Firmly press and hold the brake pedal
- Locate the shift lock override - there is a small covered slot on the left side of the shifter base
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry off the small rectangular or circular cap
- Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the shifter button and move the shifter to Neutral
- Vehicle can now be rolled or loaded onto flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot on the left side of the shifter base assembly on the center console
With zero electrical power
The D3 S8 has an electronic shift interlock that may not function with completely dead battery. If override does not work with dead battery, jump-start the 12V battery using jump-start points under the hood (positive terminal under cover near firewall, negative to engine ground) to provide minimal power. Once minimal power is available, the mechanical override should release the shifter.