How to put Tesla in neutral: Step-by-step guide

Have you ever needed to transport your Tesla on a flatbed truck, or maybe you just wanted to push your car into the garage? Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to put your Tesla into neutral. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll go over exactly how to put Tesla in neutral.

What is a Tesla?

But before we dive into the specifics of how to put Tesla in neutral, let’s first take a moment to understand exactly what a Tesla is.

The company’s signature electric cars (EVs) are known for their sleek designs, advanced technology, and impressive range. From the compact Model 3 sedan to the luxurious Model S, Tesla offers a range of electric vehicles to suit every need and budget. In addition to passenger vehicles, Tesla also manufactures electric semi-trucks and electric pickup trucks.

What is “Neutral” in a car?

In an electric car like a Tesla, there is no traditional transmission with gears.

Instead, the motor is directly connected to the wheels.

However, Tesla still includes a “neutral” mode in its vehicle to allow for certain maintenance procedures, towing, or an automatic car wash.

What models of Tesla have “Neutral”?

All Tesla models have a neutral mode, including the Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, and Roadster.

What does Neutral mode do in a Tesla?

In a Tesla, neutral mode serves a few different purposes. First and foremost, it allows for certain maintenance procedures to be performed on the car.

Neutral mode is also useful for towing. If a Tesla needs to be towed, it must be put into neutral so that the electric motor is not damaged during the towing process, and it can roll freely or for a car wash.

By putting the car into neutral, you can easily push it into place without having to worry about the electric motor being engaged. Now, let’s get through how to put Tesla in neutral.

How to engage neutral on Tesla Model 3 and Y using brake pedal

Putting Tesla vehicles Model 3 or Model Y into neutral is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

Bring the car to a complete stop.

It’s important to make sure the car is completely stationary before attempting to put it into neutral.

Shift gears into the park mode (P). On a Tesla, the park position is indicated by a “P” on the dashboard display.

Press and hold the “Shift” button on the center console for a few seconds.

The car should now be in neutral mode (N). The dashboard display should show an “N” to indicate that the car is in neutral mode.

To change the car back into drive (D), simply press and hold the button again. The car will get back into drive and be ready to move.

How to engage neutral on Tesla Model S and X with a parking brake

Putting a Tesla Model S or Tesla Model X into neutral is slightly different depending on when the car was produced.

Cars produced before 2021

On Model S and X, clutch the brake pedal until your car stops.

Change the gear stalk into the park mode (P). On a Tesla Model S and X, the park position is indicated by a “P” on the dashboard display.

Press and hold the “Shift” button on the center console for a few seconds. The button is typically located on the center console between the front seats. You may need to hold the button for a few seconds before it will change into neutral.

The car should now be in a neutral position (N). The dashboard display should show an “N” to indicate that the vehicle is in neutral mode.

To change the gear stalk back into drive (D), simply hold the button again.

Cars produced after 2021

For vehicles produced after 2021, the process is slightly different. Here’s how to put the Tesla Model S or Model X produced after 2021 into neutral:

Bring to a complete stop, and make sure that the parking brake is engaged. It’s important to make sure the vehicle is completely stationary before attempting to put it into neutral, as the auto may or may not automatically shift into Park for you.

Change the gear stalk into the park (P). On a Tesla Model S and X, the park position is indicated by a “P” on the dashboard display.

Press the gear-shifting button on the center console for a few seconds. The button is typically located on the center console between the front seats. You may need to hold the button for a few seconds before the vehicle will get into neutral.

The Tesla should now be in neutral mode. The dashboard display should show an “N” to indicate that it is in neutral mode.

To gear shift the Tesla back into drive (D), simply hold the previous button again. The auto will get back into drive and be ready to move.

How to put a Tesla Roadster in neutral

Putting a Tesla Roadster into neutral is similar to the process for the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X. Here’s how to do it:

Bring the vehicle to a complete stop, by clutching the brake pedal. It’s important to make sure the

Tesla is completely stationary before attempting to put it into neutral.

Change the gear stalk into the park (P) and put the parking brake on. On a Tesla, the position is indicated by a “P” on the dashboard display.

Press and hold the “Shift” button on the center console for a few seconds. The button is typically located on the center console between the front seats. You may need to press and hold the button for a few seconds before it will get into neutral.

It should now be in neutral mode. The dashboard display should show an “N” to indicate that the auto is in neutral mode. Be careful not to change it too much in the driver’s seat.

To get the gear stalk back into drive (D), simply press and hold the button again. The auto will get back into drive and be ready to move.

Transport mode in Tesla

Inside the car

In addition to the neutral mode, Tesla also offers a “Transport Mode” for certain models. This is applicable to all Tesla Models, including Tesla Model S, X, 3, and Y.

1. Bring to a complete stop, by clutching the brake pedal. It’s important to ensure the auto is entirely stationary before attempting to put it into Transport Mode and the driver’s door is closed.
2. Press and hold the “Shift” button on the center console for a few seconds to put the Tesla into neutral mode.
3. Click the button again for a few seconds.

To deactivate the mode, simply hold the same button again. The car will get back into neutral mode and be ready to be driven.

Using the Tesla App

To put the Tesla into a transport setting using, follow these steps:

1. Tap on the “Control” tab in the App’s car icon.
2. Scroll down and tap on the “Service” button.
3. Tap on the “Transport Mode” button.
4. Follow the prompts to put the Tesla into the transport regime.
5. To deactivate, follow the same steps by tapping the “Transport Mode” button

Will I be able to push the Tesla in neutral?

Yes, you will be able to push a Tesla in neutral (N). However, it’s important to note that electric cars are quite heavy, so it may take some effort to push them.

How to put the Tesla in neutral when the low-voltage battery is uncharged?

In the rare event that your Tesla low-voltage battery runs out and is unable to move, you can still put it into neutral mode. Here’s how to do it:

1. Pull the manual release handle to open the hood. This allows you access to the high-voltage supply disconnect button.
2. Once the hood is open, you should see the high-voltage supply disconnect button. This is a red switch with a white label.
3. Flip the power supply disconnect switch to the “Off” position. This will disconnect the high-voltage power supply and allow you to put the car into neutral.
4. Click and hold the “Shift” button on the center console to put the car into neutral mode.
5. To reactivate the power supply, simply flip the switch back to the “On” position and close the hood.

Conclusion

In conclusion, putting a Tesla into neutral is a simple process that can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as maintenance, towing, and moving the car into a tight space. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently put your Tesla into N whenever the need arises.

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