How to Put a Tesla in Neutral: A Comprehensive Guide

Putting your Tesla in Neutral might seem like a simple task, but it’s crucial to understand the different methods and scenarios where it’s necessary. Unlike traditional cars with a gear shifter, Tesla utilizes a minimalist design with a touchscreen interface and steering column stalk for gear selection. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to put your Tesla in Neutral, covering various situations and model variations.

## Why Put a Tesla in Neutral?

There are several reasons why you might need to put your Tesla in Neutral:

* **Towing:** When towing a Tesla, it *must* be in Neutral to prevent damage to the drivetrain. The wheels need to rotate freely without resistance from the motor.
* **Car Washes:** Some automatic car washes require vehicles to be in Neutral to move freely through the washing system.
* **Jump Starting:** In rare cases where you might need a jump start, putting the car in Neutral can be helpful.
* **Emergency Situations:** If your Tesla experiences a malfunction or needs to be moved manually, Neutral is essential.
* **Alignment Racks:** When performing wheel alignments, the vehicle must be in neutral to avoid damaging the alignment equipment or vehicle components.

## Understanding Tesla’s Gear Selection

Before diving into the methods, let’s quickly review how Tesla handles gear selection:

* **Drive (D):** Engages the motor for forward movement.
* **Reverse (R):** Engages the motor for backward movement.
* **Park (P):** Locks the wheels and prevents the car from moving. Activated automatically when the vehicle is turned off or the driver exits the vehicle.
* **Neutral (N):** Disengages the motor from the wheels, allowing them to rotate freely. There is no mechanical linkage; it is an electronic command.

## Methods for Putting a Tesla in Neutral

Tesla offers a few different ways to engage Neutral, depending on the model and situation. Here’s a breakdown of the primary methods:

### 1. Using the Touchscreen (Service Mode)

This is the most common and reliable method for putting your Tesla in Neutral, especially for towing or situations requiring extended Neutral engagement. This method involves accessing the Service Mode through the touchscreen.

**Steps:**

1. **Ensure the Vehicle is Stationary:** The car *must* be completely stopped before attempting to engage Neutral. Apply the parking brake for extra safety.
2. **Access the Touchscreen:** Turn on the Tesla’s touchscreen by pressing the brake pedal. The screen will activate.
3. **Navigate to Service Mode (if available):** Older models might have a slightly different menu structure. Look for options like ‘Service’ or ‘Towing’. However, newer models generally require you to go into ‘Settings’.
4. **Open ‘Settings’:** Tap the ‘Car’ icon at the bottom of the screen, then select ‘Service’.
5. **Select ‘Towing’:** In the Service menu, you will find a ‘Towing’ option. Tap on this.
6. **Engage ‘Transport Mode’ or ‘Tow Mode’:** A prompt will appear on the screen explaining the consequences of enabling Transport/Tow Mode. Read this carefully. This mode disengages the parking brake and puts the car into Neutral.
7. **Confirm:** Tap ‘Yes’ or ‘Enable’ to confirm that you want to engage Transport Mode. The car is now in Neutral. A notification will likely appear on the touchscreen indicating that Transport/Tow Mode is active.
8. **To Disengage Neutral (Transport Mode/Tow Mode):** To return the vehicle to Drive, simply tap the ‘Disable Tow Mode’ or ‘Disable Transport Mode’ button that will now be displayed on the touchscreen. Apply the brake pedal. The car should shift back into Park. You can then select Drive or Reverse as needed.

**Important Considerations for Touchscreen Method:**

* **Battery Level:** Ensure your Tesla has sufficient battery charge. Entering Service Mode and Tow Mode can drain the battery, especially if left engaged for an extended period.
* **Software Updates:** Tesla frequently updates its software. The menu locations and terminology might change slightly with different software versions. Refer to your owner’s manual for the most up-to-date instructions.
* **Safety:** Always exercise extreme caution when engaging Neutral, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces. Ensure the vehicle is properly secured before disengaging the parking brake.

### 2. Using the Steering Column Stalk (Temporary Neutral)

This method provides a *temporary* Neutral engagement. It’s primarily useful for situations like car washes or briefly moving the car manually. The vehicle will automatically shift back into Park if the driver’s door is opened or after a short period of inactivity.

**Steps:**

1. **Ensure the Vehicle is On and in Drive or Reverse:** The car must be powered on and currently in either Drive or Reverse.
2. **Push the Gear Selector Stalk Up (as if shifting to Reverse) or Down (as if shifting to Drive) – but *only halfway*:** Instead of fully engaging Reverse or Drive, gently push the stalk up or down *partially* and hold it in that position. Do not click it into Drive or Reverse.
3. **Maintain Partial Pressure:** Keep holding the stalk in the halfway position. A “Neutral” indicator will appear on the instrument panel. The car is now in Neutral as long as you maintain that pressure.
4. **Release the Stalk to Return to Park:** When you release the stalk, it will spring back to its original position, and the car will automatically shift back into Park.

**Important Considerations for Steering Column Stalk Method:**

* **Temporary Engagement:** This method only provides a temporary Neutral. The car will revert to Park if the stalk is released, the driver’s door is opened, or after a short period of inactivity. This makes it unsuitable for towing.
* **Practice:** It might take a few tries to get the hang of applying the correct amount of pressure to the stalk. Practice in a safe, controlled environment.
* **Not for Towing:** This method *cannot* be used for towing. The vehicle will automatically shift back into Park, which could cause serious damage if the car is being towed.

### 3. Using the Tesla Mobile App (Emergency Situations – Verify Availability for your Model and Software Version)

In some emergency scenarios, or for specific Tesla models and software versions, the mobile app *might* offer a way to put the car into Neutral or enable Tow Mode remotely. However, this functionality is not universally available and should be considered a last resort. Always refer to your owner’s manual and the Tesla app documentation for the most accurate information regarding your vehicle’s capabilities.

**Steps (if available):**

1. **Open the Tesla App:** Launch the Tesla app on your smartphone.
2. **Select Your Vehicle:** Ensure you have selected the correct Tesla vehicle within the app.
3. **Look for ‘Controls’ or ‘Service’:** Navigate to the ‘Controls’ or ‘Service’ section of the app. The exact location of this feature may vary depending on the app version.
4. **Search for ‘Tow Mode’ or ‘Neutral’:** Look for an option to enable ‘Tow Mode’ or put the car into ‘Neutral’. If the option is available, it will likely be accompanied by a warning message.
5. **Follow the On-Screen Prompts:** If the option is present, follow the on-screen prompts and confirmations to engage Neutral or Tow Mode. The app will likely require you to verify your identity and acknowledge the risks involved.

**Important Considerations for Tesla Mobile App Method:**

* **Limited Availability:** This feature is not available on all Tesla models or software versions. Check your owner’s manual and the Tesla app documentation to confirm whether your vehicle supports this functionality.
* **Emergency Use Only:** This method should only be used in emergency situations where you cannot access the car’s touchscreen or steering column stalk.
* **Network Connectivity:** The Tesla app requires a stable internet connection to communicate with your vehicle. If you have poor network connectivity, this method might not work.
* **Security:** Be extremely cautious when using the mobile app to control your vehicle remotely. Ensure that your Tesla account is secure and that you are using a strong password.
* **Verify Functionality:** After engaging Neutral using the app, *always* visually confirm that the car is indeed in Neutral before attempting to move it.

### 4. Emergency Responders and First Responders.

Tesla provides emergency responders with specific instructions and procedures for disabling the high voltage system and putting the vehicle into neutral in the event of an accident or emergency situation. This information is typically available through emergency responder guides and training programs. These procedures may involve disconnecting specific cables or using specialized tools to safely disable the vehicle.

**Important Considerations for Emergency Responders:**

* **Safety First:** Always prioritize safety when working with a damaged Tesla vehicle. The high-voltage system poses a significant risk of electric shock. Follow all safety guidelines and procedures outlined in the emergency responder guide.
* **Proper Training:** Ensure that you have received proper training on how to safely disable a Tesla vehicle. Contact Tesla or your local fire department for training resources.
* **Emergency Responder Guide:** Always refer to the latest version of the Tesla emergency responder guide for the most up-to-date information and procedures.

## Scenarios Where Putting a Tesla in Neutral is Necessary

Let’s look at some common scenarios where you’ll need to put your Tesla in Neutral:

* **Towing:** As mentioned earlier, this is the most critical scenario. Towing a Tesla with the wheels locked can cause severe damage to the motor and drivetrain. Always use the Touchscreen/Service Mode method to engage Transport/Tow Mode for towing.
* **Automatic Car Washes:** Many automatic car washes require vehicles to be in Neutral so they can be pulled through the system. Use the Steering Column Stalk method for a temporary Neutral engagement. Be prepared to re-engage Neutral if the car washes stops.
* **Jump Starting (Rare):** While Teslas rarely require jump starts, if it becomes necessary, putting the car in Neutral *might* be helpful. However, consult your owner’s manual or contact Tesla support for specific instructions on jump-starting your model, as incorrect procedures can damage the car’s electrical system.
* **Moving a Disabled Tesla:** If your Tesla breaks down and needs to be moved manually, putting it in Neutral will allow you to push it. Use the Touchscreen/Service Mode method if possible, as this provides the most secure Neutral engagement.
* **Wheel Alignment:** For accurate wheel alignments, the vehicle must be in Neutral. The Service Mode (Touchscreen) method is usually required.
* **Loading onto a Flatbed Truck:** When loading a Tesla onto a flatbed tow truck, the vehicle needs to be in neutral to allow it to be winched onto the truck bed without damaging the wheels or drivetrain. Always use the Tow Mode.
* **Dyno Testing:** When performing dyno testing, you’ll often need to put the car in neutral. The specific steps may vary depending on the dynamometer equipment being used and testing being performed. Be sure to consult the equipment’s instructions and your owner’s manual.

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Unable to Engage Neutral:** If you’re having trouble engaging Neutral using the touchscreen, ensure that the car is completely stopped and that the parking brake is engaged. Also, check for any error messages on the touchscreen that might indicate a system fault. Try power cycling the car by turning it off and on again.
* **Car Keeps Shifting Back to Park:** If the car keeps shifting back to Park when using the Steering Column Stalk method, make sure you are applying consistent pressure to the stalk in the halfway position. It takes a bit of practice to find the sweet spot.
* **Tow Mode Not Available in the App:** If you cannot find the Tow Mode option in the Tesla app, it’s likely that your vehicle or software version does not support this feature. Refer to your owner’s manual for alternative methods of engaging Neutral.
* **Error Messages on Touchscreen:** If you are receiving error messages on the touchscreen related to gear selection or the drive system, contact Tesla service for assistance. Do not attempt to tow the vehicle or drive it if there is a serious system fault.

## Safety Precautions

* **Always Ensure the Vehicle is Stationary:** Before attempting to engage Neutral, make sure the car is completely stopped on a level surface. Engage the parking brake for added safety.
* **Be Aware of Your Surroundings:** Pay attention to your surroundings and ensure that there are no obstacles or hazards in the path of the vehicle. If the car is on an incline, use wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling.
* **Never Leave the Vehicle Unattended in Neutral:** Do not leave the car unattended in Neutral, especially on a slope. The car could roll away and cause an accident.
* **Consult Your Owner’s Manual:** Always refer to your Tesla owner’s manual for the most accurate and up-to-date instructions on putting your car in Neutral. The procedures and terminology might vary depending on the model and software version.
* **Seek Professional Assistance:** If you are unsure about any aspect of putting your Tesla in Neutral, or if you encounter any problems, contact Tesla service or a qualified mechanic for assistance.

## Tips and Best Practices

* **Practice in a Safe Environment:** Before you need to put your Tesla in Neutral in a real-world scenario, practice the different methods in a safe, controlled environment. This will help you become familiar with the procedures and avoid mistakes.
* **Keep Your Software Up to Date:** Make sure that your Tesla’s software is always up to date. Tesla frequently releases software updates that improve the car’s functionality and address potential issues. Always check for software updates.
* **Regularly Check Your Owner’s Manual:** Review your Tesla owner’s manual periodically to stay informed about the latest features and procedures. Tesla vehicles are constantly evolving, and the owner’s manual is the best source of information.
* **Document any issues:** If your car ever acts unexpectedly write down everything you remember about what happened. This will help Tesla engineers troubleshoot the issue more quickly.
* **When in doubt, contact Tesla support:** The Tesla support team is available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your vehicle. Do not hesitate to contact them if you need help.
* **Understand the limitations of each method:** Be aware of whether you are doing a temporary neutral for a car wash, or a long term tow mode for towing.

## Conclusion

Putting a Tesla in Neutral is a straightforward process once you understand the different methods and their limitations. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can confidently engage Neutral when needed for towing, car washes, or other situations. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate information and seek professional assistance if you have any questions or concerns. Remember, understanding your Tesla’s features and operating procedures is essential for a safe and enjoyable driving experience.