🚨 2025 Volkswagen ID.4: Emergency Neutral
The 2025 ID.4 continues with the column-mounted drive selector stalk on the right side of the steering column.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 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 wheel chocks are in place.
- Access the 12V battery in the front under the hood (small auxiliary battery).
- If the 12V battery is completely dead, jump-start it or connect an external 12V power source to the jump-start terminals under the hood.
- Once 12V power is restored, press the brake pedal and press the power button to activate accessory or ready mode.
- Pull the drive selector stalk toward you once to select Neutral (N).
- If the shift interlock prevents engagement despite power, locate the shift lock override near the base of the column-mounted selector stalk (small release slot or button, typically requires a small tool to access).
- With Neutral engaged, the vehicle can be moved short distances at low speed.
Shift-lock override location
Small release mechanism near the base of the column-mounted drive selector stalk; may be a small access slot requiring tool insertion, typically covered by trim.
With zero electrical power
With no 12V power, the drive selector is inoperative and the electronic parking brake cannot be released. Jump-start the 12V battery using the under-hood posts. Once power is restored, select Neutral and release the EPB by pulling and holding the center console EPB switch.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: ID.4 is electric-only. For flatbed towing, all four wheels must be OFF the ground or use wheel dollies. DO NOT tow with drive wheels on the ground - this will severely damage the electric drive system. Neutral is only for very short, low-speed movement (onto a flatbed, under 3-5 mph). Refer to the owner's manual for maximum rollback distance in Neutral.