🚨 2025 Volkswagen Arteon: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 Arteon uses a traditional console-mounted P-R-N-D shift lever with electronic shift lock.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman — 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 level surface and parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (press START button without brake pedal)
- Locate the shift lock override slot: check the area on the left side of the shifter base near the driver's side for a small rectangular opening with a cover cap
- Use a flathead screwdriver or the metal key blade to pry off the small plastic cover cap if present
- Insert the screwdriver or key firmly into the override slot and press down while simultaneously pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it to Neutral
- If the vehicle has absolutely no electrical power, you must jump the 12V battery first to release the electronic shifter lock
Shift-lock override location
Expected to be on the left side of the shifter base (driver's side), small rectangular slot with removable plastic cap - verify in owner's manual for exact location
With zero electrical power
With zero electrical power, the electronic shift lock cannot be released mechanically. You must provide 12V power via jump-start or battery replacement to energize the shift lock solenoid before the override will function.