🚨 2022 Tesla Model X: Emergency Neutral
The 2022 Model X (refreshed design) uses a column-mounted monostable electronic stalk on the right side of the steering wheel, or alternatively the touchscreen gear selector on vehicles without the stalk.
✓ 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 wheel chocks before beginning
- Attempt to power on the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal - if the 12V lithium battery has any charge, the vehicle may power up enough to shift
- If the touchscreen powers on and you have the gear stalk: press the brake pedal firmly and use the stalk (push up for Reverse, push down for Drive, press button on end for Park release)
- If your vehicle has touchscreen-only gear selection: swipe up on the touchscreen gear indicator while pressing the brake pedal
- If completely dead with no 12V power: Access the front trunk manually by connecting a 12V power source to the external jump-start terminals located behind the tow eye cover in the front bumper (driver's side)
- Remove the tow eye cover by pulling firmly, connect positive to the red terminal and negative to the black terminal
- Once 12V power is supplied, the vehicle should power on enough to allow normal gear selection via stalk or touchscreen
- To select neutral: With power and brake pressed, push the gear stalk up once briefly then immediately down once briefly, OR use the touchscreen to select neutral directly
- For towing: Enable Transport Mode through the touchscreen Service menu (requires 12V power) which places vehicle in neutral and disables parking brake
Shift-lock override location
There is no mechanical shift-lock override on the 2022 Model X; all gear selection requires 12V electrical power to operate the electronic shifter and vehicle computer
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power, the 2022 Model X cannot be shifted. You must provide external 12V power via the jump-start terminals behind the front tow eye cover (driver's side front bumper). The refreshed Model X uses a lithium 12V battery which can discharge suddenly. Connect an external 12V source (jump pack or another vehicle) to the terminals, then the vehicle systems will power on and allow gear selection. Without external power, the vehicle must be winched onto a flatbed.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The 2022 Model X must be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels OFF the ground or on dollies. NEVER tow with any wheels on the ground unless Transport Mode is active (requires working 12V power and touchscreen access). Towing with wheels on the ground without Transport Mode will cause severe permanent damage to the electric motors and drive units. Transport Mode is for positioning only (3 mph, 33 feet maximum) - not for towing to a destination.