🚨 2023 Audi SQ5: Emergency Neutral
The 2023 SQ5 uses a console-mounted automatic 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 flat surface and set the parking brake firmly.
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (does not need to start engine).
- Locate the shift lock override slot - it is a small rectangular opening with a removable cap located on the left side of the shifter base, near the driver's side of the shifter housing.
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to carefully pry off the small plastic cap covering the override slot.
- Insert the key blade or a small flathead screwdriver into the override slot and press down firmly.
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal and move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the battery is completely dead and the shifter will not release, you must jump-start or connect a battery charger to provide 12V power before the shifter can be moved.
Shift-lock override location
Small rectangular slot with removable cap on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side of the housing
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the electronic shift lock cannot be overridden mechanically on this generation. You must provide at least minimal 12V power via jump-start or battery charger to unlock the shifter, even using the override slot. The override slot only bypasses the brake switch, not the electronic lock itself.