🚨 2021 Tesla Model S: Emergency Neutral
The 2021 Model S Refresh (June 2021+) uses a touchscreen-based shifting system with a backup column-mounted electronic drive stalk; earlier 2021 production uses the traditional stalk shifter.
✓ 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
- For Refreshed Model S (June 2021+): With power available, swipe up or down on the touchscreen to select Drive or Reverse; the vehicle automatically selects Park when stopped. For Neutral, tap the Drive mode icon at the top of the screen and select Neutral.
- For Refreshed Model S (June 2021+) backup stalk method: Push the left column stalk up for Reverse, down for Drive, or press the end button for Park.
- For pre-refresh 2021 (stalk shifter): Press and hold the brake pedal, then push the drive stalk down once briefly for Drive or up twice for Reverse.
- Ensure the parking brake is set if needed (electronic parking brake button on center console or 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 on pre-refresh, under rear seat on refresh) 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.