- Fig. 1 Driver's footwell: Manual release of parking lock
- Fig. 2 Driver's footwell: Reactivation of parking lock
The parking lock must be released manually before the Audi A8 is towed.
The manual release mechanism is located under the floor mat on the driver's side. The manual release mechanism is operated from the driver's seat.
Manual release of parking lock
Apply the parking brake 
Link or press the brake pedal to prevent the Audi A8 from rolling away.
Link or press the brake pedal to prevent the Audi A8 from rolling away.There are two slots on the cover. Insert the screwdriver (provided in the Audi A8's tool kit) in one of the slots and prise open the cover.
Pull the band -A- in the direction of the arrow until the release lever engages Fig. 1.
Fold the top part of the release lever back into the recess.
Reactivation of parking lock
Press the catch -B- and the release lever together. You can now press the lever back into its original position. Make sure that the lever engages properly Fig. 2.
Replace the cover.
When the parking lock has been released manually, the indicator lamp 
and selector lever position N will light up in the instrument cluster. In addition, the message Audi A8 may roll! Cannot shift to P. Please apply parking brake will appear.
and selector lever position N will light up in the instrument cluster. In addition, the message Audi A8 may roll! Cannot shift to P. Please apply parking brake will appear.WARNING!
If you release the parking lock manually, apply the parking brake to prevent the Audi A8 from moving (or use the brake pedal if the parking brake is inoperational). If you do not apply the brake, the Audi A8 may roll away and cause an accident.