Audi A3  Setting off  Automatic gearbox  S tronic
Applies to vehicles: with S tronic gearbox
The selector lever can be released manually if the electrical power supply should fail.
This section describes how to manually release the selector lever on right-hand drive vehicles.
The manual release mechanism is located on the right underneath the selector gate. Releasing the selector lever requires a certain degree of practical skill. We therefore advise you to obtain professional assistance.
To release the selector lever, you will need the screwdriver from the vehicle's tool kit, which is located in the luggage compartment Link. Use the flat-blade side of the reversible screwdriver insert.
Removing the selector lever cover
Apply the parking brake  WARNING! to prevent your vehicle from moving.
Insert the flat-blade side of the screwdriver into the opening at the side of the gear lever boot and lever off the boot Fig. 1.
Take hold of the corners of the selector lever boot and carefully turn it inside out over the gear knob -1- Fig. 2.
Take out the panel for the selector lever position indicator and let it hang down to one side, suspended by the cable -1- Fig. 2.
Releasing the selector lever manually
Press the yellow release mechanism sideways with the screwdriver and hold it in place -2- Fig. 2.
Now press the interlock button on the selector lever -A- and move the selector lever to position N.
After manually releasing the selector lever, make sure you fit the panel for the selector lever position indicator back in the selector gate and clip the gear lever boot back into place.
If the power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and the vehicle has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be moved to position N. This is possible after operating the manual release mechanism.
WARNING!
The selector lever must not be moved out of position P if the parking brake is not applied. If this is not possible, use the brake pedal to hold the vehicle. On a slope the vehicle could otherwise start to move inadvertently after shifting the selector lever out of position P – risk of accident!

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