If you find yourself in a situation where you need to put your 2021 Audi A5 into neutral, don’t worry – it’s a relatively simple process. However, there are a few things you’ll need to do to ensure that you do it safely and correctly. Furthermore, knowing how to put your car into neutral can be helpful in various situations, such as when you need to tow your car or when you’re stuck in traffic and want to save gas.
First, you’ll need to find the gear selector lever. This is usually located in the center console, between the driver’s seat and the passenger seat. Once you’ve found the gear selector lever, move it to the “N” position. You may need to press a button on the gear selector lever to release it from the “P” position. Once the gear selector lever is in the “N” position, your car will be in neutral.
It’s important to note that you should only put your car into neutral when it is stopped. If you try to put your car into neutral while it is moving, you could damage the transmission.
Engaging Neutral: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Locate the gear selector lever:** It’s typically found in the center console, between the driver and passenger seats.
2. **Depress the brake pedal:** This is crucial to prevent the vehicle from moving while you shift into neutral.
3. **Move the gear selector lever to the “N” position:**
**Detailed Guide for Step 3:**
**Step 3 involves moving the gear selector lever to the “N” position. Follow these detailed instructions:**
a. Gently grasp the gear selector lever with your hand.
b. Apply light pressure to the lever and push it to the left.
c. Once you feel the lever move freely, move it up slightly until it clicks into the “N” position.
d. The “N” indicator on the dashboard should now illuminate, confirming that the vehicle is in neutral.
e. Release the gear selector lever to ensure it is fully engaged.
Verifying Neutral Status
Confirming the transmission’s neutral position is crucial before initiating any vehicle adjustments or repairs. The following steps will guide you through the process:
-
Locate the Gear Selector
Identify the gear selector lever, typically positioned in the center console between the driver and front passenger seats.
-
Move the Gear Selector
Gently move the gear selector towards the “N” (Neutral) position. If the gear selector moves freely without resistance, it is likely in neutral.
-
Check the Gear Shift Indicator
Most vehicles have a digital or analog gear shift indicator on the dashboard that displays the current gear setting. Locate the indicator and ensure it displays “N” to confirm neutral.
-
Visual Verification (if applicable)
In some Audi models, there may be a small window on the instrument cluster that allows you to visually inspect the transmission’s gear position. If visible, check for the appearance of “N” or an indicator of neutral.
| Transmission | Visual Verification Window Location |
|---|---|
| Tiptronic | Lower right corner of instrument cluster |
| S tronic | Center of instrument cluster |
Tips for Smooth Neutral Engagement
For effortless neutral engagement on your 2021 Audi A5, adhere to these guidelines:
1. Press the Brake Pedal Fully
Before attempting to shift into neutral, ensure the brake pedal is firmly depressed. This safety feature prevents accidental gear shifts.
2. Depress the Gear Shift Lock Button
Locate the gear shift lock button, typically situated to the right of the gear selector. Press and hold it while shifting into neutral.
3. Move the Gear Lever
With the brake pedal depressed and the gear lock button activated, gently move the gear lever towards the center of the console, marked with “N.” Ensure a smooth and steady motion.
4. Release the Gear Shift Lock Button
Once the gear lever is securely in the neutral position, release the gear shift lock button. The gear indicator on the instrument cluster will display “N.”
5. Advanced Technique: Overcoming Stiff Neutral Engagement
In some circumstances, engaging neutral may feel stiff or obstructed. To overcome this, follow these steps:
a) Ensure the parking brake is not engaged.
b) Turn off the engine and restart it.
c) Gently rock the steering wheel back and forth while attempting to shift into neutral.
d) If the above methods fail, consult your Audi dealer for professional assistance.
Importance of Neutral for Towing and Service
Putting your 2021 Audi A5 into neutral is crucial for towing and servicing. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Ensure safety by parking on a flat surface and engaging the parking brake.
Step 2: Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position but do not start the engine.
Step 3: Locate the shift lever and move it to the “N” (Neutral) position.
Step 4: For added safety, confirm the vehicle is in neutral by slightly pushing the vehicle forward or backward.
Step 5: If the vehicle does not move, it is successfully in neutral.
Step 6: Release the parking brake and allow the vehicle to be towed or serviced.
Precautions for Leaving a Vehicle in Neutral
It is generally not advisable to leave a vehicle in neutral, as it can pose safety risks. However, there may be situations where it is necessary, such as when towing or jump-starting the vehicle. If you must leave your vehicle in neutral, it is important to take the following precautions:
1. Park on a Flat Surface:
If possible, park the vehicle on a flat, level surface to prevent it from rolling.
2. Engage the Parking Brake:
Always engage the parking brake to ensure that the vehicle does not move accidentally.
3. Turn Off the Engine:
After engaging the parking brake, turn off the engine to prevent the vehicle from moving if the parking brake fails.
4. Remove the Key:
Always remove the key from the ignition to prevent anyone from accidentally starting the vehicle and causing it to move.
5. Block the Wheels:
If the vehicle is parked on a slope, place chocks or other wheel stoppers behind the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
6. Notify Passengers:
If there are any passengers in the vehicle, inform them that it is in neutral and take precautions to ensure their safety.
7. Consider the Environment:
Be aware of the surrounding environment and ensure that leaving the vehicle in neutral will not create any hazards or block traffic.
8. Additional Precautions for Extended Periods:
If the vehicle will be left in neutral for an extended period, consider the following additional precautions:
|
Precaution |
Importance |
|---|---|
|
Secure the Steering Wheel: |
Prevent the wheels from turning and causing the vehicle to move. |
|
Disconnect the Battery: |
Eliminate any electrical sources that could cause the vehicle to start unintentionally. |
|
Place the Transmission in Park: |
Attempt to move the transmission lever into the Park position, even if the vehicle is in neutral, to provide an additional level of security. |
Alternative Neutral Engagement Methods
If the electronic gear selector should fail, the vehicle can still be shifted into neutral by following these steps (requires considerable physical strength):
1. Apply and hold the parking brake (handbrake).
2. Press and hold the brake pedal.
3. Shift the gear lever to position P (park).
4. Open the hood and locate the gearbox release handle (usually under the engine cover).
5. Pull the gearbox release handle towards the front of the vehicle.
6. Shift the gear lever to position N (neutral).
7. Release the gearbox release handle.
8. Close the hood.
9. Important: To get your 2021 Audi A5 towed, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions as the steps may vary depending on the model year and equipment. Failure to follow the correct towing procedure can result in severe damage to the transmission.
| Towing Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a flatbed tow truck | This is the safest and recommended method of towing for all Audi A5 models. |
| Rear-axle lift (for quattro models only) | Front wheels must be lifted off the ground, and the transmission must be in “N” (neutral). |
| Front-axle lift (for front-wheel drive models only) | Rear wheels must be lifted off the ground, and the transmission must be in “P” (park). |
Safety Considerations
1. Park on Level Ground
Always park your Audi A5 on a level, non-sloped surface. This step is crucial to prevent the vehicle from rolling away when in Neutral gear.
2. Engage the Parking Brake
Before shifting into Neutral gear, ensure you engage the parking brake to securely hold the vehicle in place. The parking brake prevents any accidental movement and keeps the Audi A5 stationary.
3. Use Wheel Chocks
As an added safety measure, consider using wheel chocks behind the tires opposite the parking brake. Wheel chocks provide extra stability and reduce the risk of the vehicle rolling, even if the parking brake fails.
4. Turn the Engine Off
Always turn off the engine before shifting into Neutral gear. Leaving the engine running can put your vehicle in a ready-to-drive state, increasing the risk of accidental movement.
5. Shift into Neutral Carefully
When shifting the gear selector to the Neutral position, move it gently and smoothly. Avoid rapid or forceful movements to prevent damaging the transmission.
6. Check Gear Indicator
Confirm that the gear selector is visually displayed in the Neutral position on the gear indicator. This step ensures you have successfully shifted into Neutral.
7. Stay Aware of Surroundings
Before exiting the vehicle, always check your surroundings to ensure it is safe to leave the Audi A5 in Neutral. Avoid leaving the car in this gear when parked on an incline or near obstacles.
8. Don’t Use Neutral to Start
Starting your Audi A5 in Neutral can cause premature wear and tear on the starter motor. Always start the vehicle in Park or Neutral with the parking brake engaged.
9. Avoid Neutral Coasting
Coasting in Neutral downhill can increase brake wear and reduce your ability to control the vehicle. Always use the transmission for engine braking, especially on descents.
10. Know When to Use Neutral Gear
- When towing your Audi A5 behind another vehicle.
- When the vehicle is being pushed or pulled.
- When troubleshooting a transmission issue.
- When the vehicle is parked for an extended period, such as during storage or repairs.
- When idling at a stoplight for a short time.
How To Get A 2021 Audi A5 Into Neutral
To get a 2021 Audi A5 into neutral, follow these steps:
- Press the brake pedal.
- Move the gear selector to the “N” position.
- Release the brake pedal.
The Audi A5 will now be in neutral.
People Also Ask
How do I put my Audi A5 in park?
To put your Audi A5 in park, follow these steps:
- Press the brake pedal.
- Move the gear selector to the “P” position.
- Release the brake pedal.
How do I shift my Audi A5 into drive?
To shift your Audi A5 into drive, follow these steps:
- Press the brake pedal.
- Move the gear selector to the “D” position.
- Release the brake pedal.
How do I get my Audi A5 out of park?
To get your Audi A5 out of park, follow these steps:
- Press the brake pedal.
- Press the park release button on the gear selector.
- Move the gear selector to the desired gear.
- Release the brake pedal.
