Buzz
Learn how to quickly switch your Tesla to Neutral mode for car washing or towing purposes.
While shifting a regular car into neutral is straightforward, Tesla cars have their own unique process. Here, we've gathered instructions for putting your Tesla into Neutral or Tow Mode for all models and years.
Essential Information
- For Model 3 and Model Y, push the gear stalk upwards (if in Drive) or downwards (if in Reverse). Hold the gear stalk for 1 second with Autosteer enabled.
- For pre-2021 Model S and Model X, push the gear stalk to the first position. Hold it for more than 1 second with Autosteer active.
- For Model S and Model X after 2021, select “Controls” on your control panel, then “Neutral.”
- To activate Tow Mode, go to “Controls” > “Services” > “Towing” > “Transportation Mode” on your touchscreen.
Procedure
Instructions for Engaging Neutral by Tesla Model
For Model 3 and Model Y: Shift up from Drive or down from Reverse. If in Park, move the gear stalk up or down.
- If Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active, hold the gear stalk for over 1 second to enter Neutral. These features will deactivate upon shifting to Neutral.
For Model S and Model X (Before 2021): Like Model 3 and Model Y, shift up from Drive or down from Reverse.
- If Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is on, hold the gear stalk for over 1 second.
For Model S and Model X (After 2021): Access “Controls” on the touchscreen, then press and hold the “Neutral” button.
- In post-2021 Models S and X, all shifting is touchscreen-based without a gear stalk. If the touchscreen isn’t operational, shift via the center console by tapping and waiting for the letters to illuminate, then select “N” for Neutral.
Activating Neutral Mode in a Tesla without Power
Revive the 12-volt battery, then hold the gear lever for 2 seconds. Without power, a Tesla cannot shift into Neutral. Utilize jumper cables and another vehicle to restart the 12-volt battery, located under the front hood. Alternatively, charge your vehicle at a charging point or home. Once the car has sufficient power to activate, initiate the vehicle and then hold the gear lever for 2 seconds.
- If your car fails to start or you're unable to jump-start it, attempt releasing the parking brake to enable shifting into Neutral.
Exiting Neutral Mode
Depress the brake pedal, then shift into Drive as usual. When prepared to resume driving, maintain a speed below 5 MPH (8 KM/H). Depress the brake pedal, then shift into Drive or Reverse normally.
- Your Tesla will prevent you from shifting back into Drive or Reverse unless moving slowly as a safety precaution.
Leave the Tesla in Neutral to trigger automatic engagement of Park. While seated in the driver's position (and without shifting out of Neutral), your Tesla remains in Neutral. Should you forget to shift into Park or require an emergency exit, the Tesla will autonomously shift into Park.
- This serves as a safety measure to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
Activating Tow Mode
Navigate to “Controls” > “Services” > “Towing.” Access the control panel, go to “Controls,” then select “Services” followed by “Towing.” Press and hold the “Transport Mode” button until it illuminates blue.
- With Transport Mode activated, your Tesla can be pushed or rolled, but its speed will not exceed that of a walking pace.
- To deactivate Transport Mode, shift into Park.
