Have you ever found yourself in a Tesla, needing to put it in neutral, but weren't quite sure how? Whether you're at a car wash, dealing with a flat tire, or just trying to move your Tesla a short distance without powering it on, knowing how to put it in neutral is a crucial skill for any Tesla owner. Let's dive in and learn how to do it step-by-step!
Step 1: Understand Why You Might Need Neutral
Before we get into the "how," let's quickly discuss the "why." Unlike traditional gasoline cars with a physical gear shifter, Teslas utilize a different approach. You might need to engage neutral for several reasons:
Automatic Car Washes: Most automatic car washes require your vehicle to be in neutral so it can be pulled along the conveyor system.
Towing or Flatbed Loading: If your Tesla needs to be towed or loaded onto a flatbed truck, it must be in neutral to prevent damage to the drivetrain.
Moving the Vehicle Manually (Short Distances): In scenarios where the car is off or you need to push it a very short distance (e.g., to adjust parking in a garage), neutral is essential.
Service and Maintenance: Certain service procedures might require the vehicle to be in neutral.
It's important to remember that engaging neutral for extended periods without the vehicle being towed or moved by an external force is generally not recommended and can drain the 12V battery.
Step 2: The Primary Method - Using the Touchscreen
The most common and straightforward way to put your Tesla in neutral is through its large central touchscreen.
2.1: Ensure Your Tesla is On and in Park (P)
First things first, your Tesla needs to be powered on. This means you've either unlocked it with your phone key or key card, or you've pressed the brake pedal. The vehicle should also be in Park (P).
2.2: Access the Controls Menu
On the touchscreen, locate and tap the "Controls" icon. This is usually represented by a car icon or a gear icon, typically found at the bottom left of the screen.
2.3: Navigate to the Driving Controls
Within the "Controls" menu, you'll see various options. Look for the section related to driving. You might need to scroll down slightly, depending on your Tesla model and software version.
2.4: Select "Neutral" (N)
Under the driving controls, you will find the "Neutral" (N) option. It will often be next to or near the "Drive" (D) and "Reverse" (R) options. Tap on "Neutral."
You might hear a slight click or feel a subtle shift as the vehicle engages neutral.
The gear indicator on your display will change from 'P' to 'N'.
2.5: Confirm Neutral Engagement
Once you've tapped "Neutral," a message might appear on the screen confirming that the car is in neutral. At this point, you should be able to push the vehicle if needed, or it can be moved by an automatic car wash system.
Step 3: The "Tow Mode" / "Transport Mode" Method (For Specific Situations) ️
While the touchscreen method is for general use, there's a specialized mode called "Tow Mode" (or "Transport Mode" on some older models/software versions) which is specifically designed for situations like towing or loading onto a flatbed. This mode often keeps the car in neutral for a longer duration and might disable certain features.
3.1: Access Tow Mode
Navigate to "Controls" on your touchscreen.
Then go to "Service" (you might need to scroll down).
Under "Service," you'll typically find the option for "Tow Mode" or "Transport Mode."
3.2: Activate Tow Mode
Tap on "Tow Mode" to activate it. The screen will usually display instructions or warnings about its use.
When in Tow Mode, the vehicle will remain in neutral even if you exit the car, and the parking brake will be disengaged.
Be aware that leaving your Tesla in Tow Mode for extended periods without external power can drain your 12V battery.
3.3: Exiting Tow Mode
To exit Tow Mode, simply shift the vehicle into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) using the stalk, or tap the "Exit Tow Mode" option on the touchscreen.
Step 4: The "Emergency" Neutral (If Touchscreen is Unresponsive)
In rare cases, if your touchscreen is completely unresponsive or the 12V battery is dead, you might need an emergency method. This is an advanced procedure and should only be attempted if absolutely necessary.
4.1: Locate the Emergency Release (Model Dependent)
The emergency neutral release mechanism varies by Tesla model.
Model S/X: In older Model S and X vehicles, there might be a physical release cable located near the front trunk or under the rear seats. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location.
Model 3/Y: For Model 3 and Y, the emergency release is usually accessed via the front trunk (frunk). You'll need to open the frunk and locate a small lever or button near the front axle or battery pack. Again, refer to your owner's manual for precise instructions.
4.2: Engage the Emergency Release
Once located, follow the instructions in your owner's manual to engage the emergency neutral release. This often involves pulling a cable or pressing a lever.
This method bypasses the electronic controls and directly disengages the parking brake, putting the car into neutral.
Use extreme caution when using this method, as the car can roll freely once neutral is engaged.
Important Considerations and Tips
Always be on a level surface when putting your Tesla in neutral, especially if you intend to push it. A slight incline can cause the vehicle to roll unexpectedly.
Be mindful of the 12V battery: Leaving your Tesla in neutral (especially in Tow Mode) for extended periods without the main battery pack being charged can deplete the 12V battery, making it difficult to power on the car again.
Consult your owner's manual: While this guide provides general steps, always refer to your specific Tesla model's owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions. Software updates can sometimes change menu layouts.
Don't force it: If you're having trouble putting your Tesla in neutral, do not try to force any controls. Re-read the instructions or contact Tesla service if you're unsure.
Car Wash Mode: Some Teslas have a dedicated "Car Wash Mode" which automatically puts the car in neutral, closes windows, and disables wipers. Check your "Controls" for this convenient feature!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to put a Tesla Model 3 in neutral for a car wash?
To put a Tesla Model 3 in neutral for a car wash, ensure the car is on and in Park, then tap "Controls" on the touchscreen, navigate to the driving options, and select "Neutral" (N). Some Model 3s also have a "Car Wash Mode" under "Controls" which automatically prepares the vehicle.
How to get a Tesla into neutral without power?
Getting a Tesla into neutral without power requires using the emergency neutral release mechanism. This is typically located in the front trunk (frunk) for Model 3/Y, or potentially near the rear seats/front trunk for older Model S/X. Consult your owner's manual for the exact location and procedure, as it's a physical release.
How to use Tow Mode in a Tesla?
To use Tow Mode in a Tesla, go to "Controls" on the touchscreen, then select "Service," and finally tap "Tow Mode." This mode puts the vehicle in neutral, releases the parking brake, and is ideal for towing or flatbed transport.
How to exit neutral in a Tesla?
To exit neutral in a Tesla, simply press the brake pedal and then move the drive stalk (on the right side of the steering wheel) either up for Reverse (R) or down for Drive (D). The vehicle will shift out of neutral.
How to put a Tesla in neutral when the screen is frozen?
If your Tesla screen is frozen, you will likely need to perform a scroll wheel reset (holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen reboots). If this doesn't resolve it and you urgently need neutral, you might need to resort to the emergency neutral release as described in your owner's manual.
How to put a Tesla in neutral if the 12V battery is dead?
If the 12V battery is dead, the touchscreen will be unresponsive. In this critical situation, you must use the emergency neutral release mechanism, typically found in the frunk (Model 3/Y) or other designated areas (Model S/X), as detailed in your owner's manual.
How to put a Tesla in neutral for manual pushing?
To put a Tesla in neutral for manual pushing, ensure the car is on and in Park, then go to "Controls" on the touchscreen and select "Neutral" (N). Always make sure you're on a level surface before pushing.
How to avoid battery drain when in neutral?
To avoid excessive 12V battery drain when in neutral, it's best to minimize the time the car spends in neutral, especially in "Tow Mode," unless it's actively being moved or charged. If possible, keep the main battery charged to support the 12V system.
How to put a Tesla in neutral for a touchless car wash?
For a touchless car wash, putting a Tesla in neutral is the same as any other car wash: ensure the car is on and in Park, then tap "Controls" on the touchscreen and select "Neutral" (N). Some models may have a dedicated "Car Wash Mode."
How to find the emergency neutral release in a Tesla Model Y?
In a Tesla Model Y, the emergency neutral release is typically located in the front trunk (frunk). You'll need to open the frunk and consult your owner's manual for the precise location of the release lever or cable near the front of the vehicle.
