🚨 2019 Tesla Model S: Emergency Neutral
The 2019 Model S uses a column-mounted electronic stalk shifter on the right side of the steering column.
🧰 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 parking brake is set (pull the electronic parking brake switch on the center console).
- With 12V power available: Press and hold the brake pedal, then push the drive stalk down once briefly for Drive or up twice for Reverse, which will allow the vehicle to roll when you release the brake.
- If the touchscreen is functional, you can also select Neutral by tapping Controls > Neutral on the touchscreen.
- To physically release the parking brake when the 12V battery is dead: Access the rear left wheel well, remove the access panel, and manually release the parking brake actuator using the emergency release cable (red pull loop).
- With NO 12V power: The parking brake defaults to ENGAGED and the transmission defaults to PARK. You cannot electronically shift. The vehicle must be placed on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or with the rear wheels on dollies.
- If towing is absolutely necessary: Jack up the rear of the vehicle and place wheel dollies under the rear wheels, ensuring the front wheels can roll freely.
With zero electrical power
With a completely dead 12V battery, the Model S parking brake remains locked and the transmission stays in Park with no mechanical override accessible from the cabin. The vehicle cannot be shifted or rolled. Jump-starting the 12V system (battery is in the front trunk) or using the external 12V jump posts under the tow eye cover is required to restore function. If jump-starting is not possible, the vehicle must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground or rear wheels on dollies.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: Tesla Model S must be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels OFF the ground, or with the rear wheels on dollies and front wheels rolling. NEVER tow with any drive wheels on the ground without dollies - this will cause severe damage to the electric drive unit. The vehicle has no true 'neutral' that disengages the motor from the drivetrain when unpowered. Even in Transport Mode, towing is only safe with proper dollies or flatbed.