Thinking about putting your Tesla Model 3 in neutral? It's a common need for situations like car washes or when you need to move your vehicle without it being in drive or park. Unlike traditional gasoline cars with a mechanical gear shifter, the Tesla Model 3 utilizes a combination of its touchscreen and a drive stalk to control its "gears." This guide will walk you through the various ways to engage neutral, ensuring you're prepared for any scenario. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Tesla's "Gears"
Before we get into the specifics of neutral, it's important to grasp how your Model 3's "gears" (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive) are selected. Tesla's minimalist design means there's no bulky gear lever. Instead, you'll be interacting primarily with the drive stalk located on the right side of your steering column, or in newer models, the touchscreen.
P (Park): This is the default mode when you turn off the car or open the driver's door while the vehicle is stopped. The parking brake is engaged, preventing the car from rolling.
R (Reverse): For backing up.
N (Neutral): This mode allows your Tesla to roll freely, without power being applied to the wheels and with the parking brake disengaged. This is crucial for situations like car washes or towing.
D (Drive): For moving forward.
Step 2: Engaging Neutral via the Drive Stalk (Older Models)
For Model 3 vehicles manufactured before the recent refresh (typically pre-2024 models), the primary method for shifting gears, including neutral, is through the drive stalk.
Step 2.1: From Park (P) to Neutral (N)
Ensure you are stopped and press the brake pedal. This is a critical safety measure to prevent unintended rolling.
Gently push the drive stalk either up or down to the first detent (position). You'll feel a slight click, and the large 'N' for Neutral should appear on your touchscreen display.
Release the brake pedal if you want the car to roll freely. Remember, if you are not pressing the brake pedal, the car will roll if on an incline.
Step 2.2: From Drive (D) to Neutral (N)
Briefly push the drive stalk up to the first detent (position).
Important Note: If Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (if equipped) is active, you'll need to push the drive stalk up and hold it for more than 1 second. This will disable these features before engaging neutral.
Observe the 'N' appearing on your screen.
Step 2.3: From Reverse (R) to Neutral (N)
Briefly push the drive stalk down to the first detent (position).
The 'N' will appear on your touchscreen.
Step 3: Engaging Neutral via the Touchscreen (Newer Models)
For newer Tesla Model 3 vehicles (typically 2024 refresh models and beyond), shifting gears is primarily done through the touchscreen.
Step 3.1: Accessing the Drive Mode Strip
Bring your Tesla Model 3 to a complete stop.
Press the brake pedal. This action will cause the "drive mode strip" to appear on one side of your touchscreen. This strip displays the icons for Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive.
Step 3.2: Selecting Neutral
On the drive mode strip, press and hold the Neutral icon (usually represented by an 'N').
Continue holding until your Model 3 fully engages Neutral. You'll see the 'N' highlighted on the screen.
Step 3.3: Using the Overhead Console (Alternative for Some Models)
Some Model 3s may also have an overhead console with physical buttons for P, R, N, and D.
Press the brake pedal.
Tap the 'N' button on the overhead console. The associated LED will illuminate amber when selected.
Step 4: Special Modes for Remaining in Neutral
Tesla has incorporated specific modes to make using neutral more convenient for certain situations. These modes override the automatic shift-to-park feature that typically engages when you leave the driver's seat.
Step 4.1: Car Wash Mode
This mode is essential for automatic car washes where the vehicle needs to roll freely on a conveyor.
Bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
Tap the car icon at the bottom left of your touchscreen to open Controls.
Navigate to Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode.
Select "Enter Car Wash Mode" and then "Free Roll".
Your Model 3 will remain in Neutral and the parking brake will be disengaged, allowing it to move along the car wash conveyor.
Step 4.2: Tow Mode (Transport Mode)
If your Tesla needs to be towed or repositioned, Tow Mode ensures it stays in neutral. Always consult your owner's manual and the towing company for proper towing procedures, as Tesla recommends specific methods to prevent damage.
Ensure your Model 3 is in Park.
Press and hold the brake pedal.
On the touchscreen, tap Controls > Service > Towing.
Touch "Enter Transport Mode". The button will turn blue, indicating the mode is active.
Your Tesla can now be rolled slowly (no faster than walking speed) for short distances or winched onto a flatbed truck. It's crucial to understand the limitations of Tow Mode regarding speed and distance to avoid damage.
Step 5: Exiting Neutral
To exit Neutral and return to Drive or Park:
Press the brake pedal.
If moving slower than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h), you can then shift into Drive by pushing the drive stalk all the way down (older models) or selecting 'D' on the touchscreen (newer models).
To go into Park, simply press the 'P' button on the drive stalk (older models) or select 'P' on the touchscreen (newer models). Your Tesla will also automatically shift into Park if you open the driver's door to exit the vehicle (unless in Car Wash or Tow Mode).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to put a Tesla Model 3 in neutral for a car wash?
You should use Car Wash Mode. Bring the car to a stop, go to Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode, and select "Enter Car Wash Mode" and then "Free Roll."
How to engage neutral on a Tesla Model 3 with the drive stalk?
If your Model 3 has a drive stalk, push it briefly up from Drive or down from Reverse to the first detent. From Park, you can push it either up or down to the first detent.
How to shift Tesla Model 3 into neutral using the touchscreen?
Bring the car to a stop, press the brake pedal to reveal the drive mode strip, then press and hold the Neutral icon on the touchscreen until it engages.
How to activate Tow Mode on a Tesla Model 3?
With the car in Park and your foot on the brake, go to Controls > Service > Towing on the touchscreen, then select "Enter Transport Mode."
How to get out of Neutral in a Tesla Model 3?
Press the brake pedal, and then you can shift into Drive or Park using the drive stalk or touchscreen.
How to manually release the parking brake in a Tesla Model 3?
To manually release the parking brake, typically you can do so through the touchscreen: Controls > Safety, and then press the brake pedal with your foot. In some emergency scenarios, service mode may be required.
How to put a Tesla Model 3 in neutral if the screen is unresponsive?
If the touchscreen is completely unresponsive, putting the car into neutral without power is problematic, as it relies on the electronics. In such cases, you would likely need to contact Tesla Service for assistance, as special dollies might be required for towing.
How to keep a Tesla Model 3 in neutral when exiting the vehicle?
To keep the vehicle in neutral when exiting, you must activate Tow Mode (also called Transport Mode) or Car Wash Mode. Otherwise, the vehicle will automatically shift into Park when the driver's door is opened.
How to override Autosteer to engage neutral in Tesla Model 3?
If Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active, when pushing the drive stalk up from Drive to engage neutral, you must hold the stalk up for more than 1 second to disable these features before neutral engages.
How to know if your Tesla Model 3 is in Neutral?
The large 'N' symbol will be prominently displayed on your touchscreen, indicating that the vehicle is in Neutral.
For a visual guide on putting your Tesla Model 3 into Neutral, consider watching this video:
