🚨 2021 Polestar 2: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Polestar 2 uses an electronic console-mounted shifter that requires 12V power to operate normally.
🧰 Drafted with AI under the editorial review of Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — cross-check against your owner’s manual when possible.
⚠️ Chock the wheels first — neutral means the car can roll. Set the parking brake while you work, never stand downhill of the vehicle, and try a 12-volt jump before any override: power fixes most stuck-in-park problems instantly.
The procedure
- Ensure the vehicle is on level ground
- If the 12V battery has any charge, attempt to power on the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal and pushing the start button
- If the vehicle powers on, shift to Neutral by moving the shifter to the N position
- If there is no 12V power, the electronic shifter will not function - you must jump-start or charge the 12V battery before the shifter can be moved
- Once 12V power is restored, press the brake pedal and start button to wake the vehicle
- Move shifter to Neutral, then enable Transport Mode through the center display: Settings > Service > Transport Mode
- Transport Mode unlocks the drive wheels for towing - this is critical for electric vehicles to prevent drivetrain damage
With zero electrical power
The Polestar 2 has no mechanical shift lock override. The electronic shifter is completely non-functional without 12V battery power. You MUST restore 12V power (jump-start or charge the 12V battery) before the shifter can be operated. The 12V battery is located under the hood. Once power is restored, the vehicle can be shifted to Neutral and Transport Mode can be enabled.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The Polestar 2 must be transported on a flatbed only. If the vehicle has power, you MUST enable Transport Mode (Settings > Service > Transport Mode on center screen) before towing to unlock the drive wheels. Towing with wheels on the ground without Transport Mode will cause severe drivetrain damage. If 12V power cannot be restored, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed with wheels locked.