🚨 2012 Volkswagen Touareg: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Touareg has a traditional center console automatic shifter with electronic shift lock tied to the brake interlock system.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — details like the exact override location may vary by trim; verify visually before prying anything.
⚠️ 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 level ground and parking brake is firmly engaged
- Turn the ignition to ON position if battery has any charge (if completely dead, skip to manual override)
- Locate the shift lock override slot on the left side of the shifter base, covered by a small rectangular plastic cap
- Use a small flathead screwdriver or key to carefully pry off the override cap
- Insert the screwdriver or similar tool into the override slot and press down firmly
- While holding the override down, press the brake pedal (if power available) and move the shifter to Neutral
- If no power available, continue holding the override down and physically move the shifter to Neutral without pressing brake
- Replace the override cap after shifting
- Vehicle can now be pushed or towed; for flatbed towing, shift to Neutral and leave ignition in ON position if possible
Shift-lock override location
Left side of shifter base near the driver's side, under a small rectangular plastic cap
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the shift lock override still functions mechanically. Use the override slot method without needing to press the brake pedal. The ignition does not need to be on for the mechanical override to work. Steering wheel will be locked, so vehicle must be pushed straight or loaded onto flatbed.