🚨 2022 Rivian R1S: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Rivian R1S uses a steering column-mounted gear selector stalk with Pull for Drive, Push for Reverse, and a button on the end for Park.
✓ 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
- If battery is dead, locate the 12V low-voltage battery under the second-row seats (driver's side); lift the seat cushion to access the battery compartment
- Connect an external 12V jump source to the positive and negative terminals of the low-voltage battery to restore vehicle computer power
- Once 12V power is restored, press and hold the brake pedal and press the Park button on the end of the gear stalk to release from Park, then pull the stalk toward you once to engage Neutral
- If shift interlock is failed but 12V power is present, press the brake pedal firmly; if shifter still won't release, check the brake light switch operation and related fuses
- If electronic shift will not work despite 12V power, access the mechanical park release: open the front trunk (frunk), locate the access panel on the driver's side of the frunk floor
- Remove the access panel to expose the mechanical park release cable or lever (typically a yellow or red release tag); pull firmly to mechanically release the parking pawl
- With park pawl released, the vehicle can roll freely—ensure proper chocking and control before releasing
Shift-lock override location
Mechanical park release is accessed through the front trunk (frunk): driver's side floor panel removes to expose a mechanical release cable or lever with colored tag
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the R1S cannot shift electronically. Jump the low-voltage battery under the second-row driver's side seat to restore power. If jump-starting is not possible, use the mechanical park release in the frunk (driver's side floor access panel). Without either method, the vehicle cannot be shifted and must be lifted for towing.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The R1S is a battery-electric vehicle with motors on both axles. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground—this will rotate the motors and cause severe electrical damage, potential battery damage, or fire risk. Always use a flatbed. If 12V power is available, enable Transport Mode (Vehicle Settings > Service > Transport Mode) before towing to electrically disconnect the drive units.