🚨 2015 Tesla Model S: Emergency Neutral
The 2015 Model S uses a column-mounted monostable stalk shifter that returns to center after each input.
🧰 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 safely supported and chocked - this is an EV with no parking pawl engagement when dead.
- Attempt to power on the vehicle - if the 12V battery is weak but not completely dead, the touchscreen may boot and allow normal shift to Neutral via the stalk (pull toward you once).
- If the 12V system is completely dead, you must jump-start or replace the 12V battery to restore any electronic functions - there is no mechanical shift override on the Model S.
- The 12V battery is located in the front trunk (frunk) - open the frunk using the manual release if needed: remove the tow eye cover behind the front license plate area, connect the positive jump terminal behind that panel, ground to chassis, then use the frunk manual release pull cable.
- Once 12V power is restored, power on the vehicle and shift to Neutral using the stalk.
- For towing: With power restored, engage Transport Mode (tap Controls > Service > Towing on touchscreen) which puts the vehicle in Neutral and disables the parking brake.
- If Transport Mode cannot be activated, the vehicle MUST be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or on dollies - dragging the drive wheels will damage the motor/inverter.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, there is NO mechanical override to shift into Neutral. You must restore 12V power by jump-starting via the front tow eye access panel or replacing the 12V battery in the frunk. The frunk has a manual release cable accessible through the tow eye cover opening if needed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: Model S must be transported on a flatbed or with drive wheels off the ground. The electric motor generates voltage when wheels rotate, which can damage the vehicle if towed conventionally. Always use Transport Mode when possible, or dollies/flatbed when power cannot be restored.