🚨 2022 Audi S8: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 S8 (D5 generation) uses a traditional console-mounted lever shifter with electronic shift-lock controlled by the brake interlock system.
🧰 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 level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if 12V power is available (this may help disengage shift-lock even with a failed brake switch).
- Locate the shift-lock override slot: it is a small covered opening on the right side of the shifter base on the center console, typically covered by a small rectangular cap.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly while simultaneously pulling the shifter lever out of Park into Neutral.
- Keep the override depressed until the shifter is fully in Neutral position.
- If the vehicle needs to be towed, leave it in Neutral with the parking brake released only when loaded onto the flatbed.
Shift-lock override location
Right side of the shifter base on the center console, under a small rectangular cap
With zero electrical power
With completely dead 12V battery, the override slot must be used. The electronic shifter will not respond to any button presses. You may need to manually unlock the driver's door with the physical key blade first. The shift-lock override is mechanical and does not require electrical power to function.