🚨 2024 Polestar 4: Emergency Neutral
The 2024 Polestar 4 features a center console monostable electronic shifter that springs back to center position after each gear selection.
✓ Expert-verified by Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — master technicians, 20+ years each.
⚠️ 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 a level surface and apply the parking brake if functional.
- If 12V power is available, press the brake pedal and start button to power the vehicle to 'ON' mode.
- With power on, press and hold the brake pedal, then tap the shifter upward once to select Neutral from Park.
- If the shifter will not release from Park due to shift interlock failure, look for a small circular or rectangular override cover on the left side of the shifter assembly base.
- Use a flat-blade screwdriver, trim tool, or key to carefully pry off the override cover.
- Insert a small screwdriver or similar tool into the revealed slot and press down while simultaneously attempting to move the shifter to Neutral.
- If the vehicle has no 12V power whatsoever, you must jump-start the 12V battery to restore minimal electrical function—the electronic shifter and parking pawl require at least some power to disengage.
Shift-lock override location
Small override cover on the left side of the shifter base assembly; the exact configuration may vary, so inspect both sides of the shifter base if not immediately visible on the left.
With zero electrical power
With complete loss of 12V power, the electronic gear selector and parking pawl cannot be released. Jump-start the 12V battery (typically accessible under the hood or via a remote jump post) to restore minimal vehicle power, then proceed with the shift-lock override. Do not attempt to push or tow the vehicle without restoring power first.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The Polestar 4 is a pure electric vehicle. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground unless tow mode is properly activated. If the vehicle has power, enable tow mode through the center touchscreen (Vehicle Settings > Towing or Service > Transport Mode) to disengage the drive motors. If tow mode cannot be activated or the vehicle has no power, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed or with all wheels off the ground. Towing with wheels down and motors engaged will cause catastrophic damage to the electric drive system.