🚨 2009 Tesla Roadster: Emergency Neutral
The 2009 Roadster uses a console-mounted shift lever with positions for Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive (single-speed electric drive unit).
✓ 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
- Apply wheel chocks - the electric parking brake may not function with dead 12V power.
- If the 12V system has power, sit in the driver's seat, press the brake pedal, and move the shift lever to the Neutral position.
- If the 12V system is completely dead, you must access the 12V battery to restore power - the battery is located behind the driver's seat in the interior.
- Remove the driver's seat: tilt seat forward, disconnect the 12V connector under the seat, and remove the four mounting bolts.
- With the seat removed, you can access the 12V battery compartment cover behind where the seat was mounted.
- Connect an external 12V power source (jump box) to the battery terminals - red to positive, black to negative or ground point.
- Once 12V power is restored, turn the key to ON position (do not attempt to drive with jump power alone), press the brake, and shift to Neutral.
- For flatbed loading: the Roadster can be placed in Neutral as above; if power cannot be restored, the rear wheels can be placed on dollies for towing (front-wheel dollies are also acceptable for flat-towing the rear-wheel-drive vehicle).
Shift-lock override location
There is a mechanical shift lock override near the base of the shift lever console. Look for a small access slot or cap on the console near the shifter - it may be hidden under a removable trim piece. Insert a small screwdriver or key to depress the release mechanism and manually move the lever to Neutral without brake input.
With zero electrical power
With zero 12V power and no ability to restore it, use the mechanical shift lock override near the shifter base to move the lever to Neutral. The Roadster's shift lock override is mechanical and does not require electrical power. If the override cannot be located without disassembly, removing the center console trim around the shifter will reveal the shift lock solenoid which can be manually released.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
WARNING: The Tesla Roadster should be transported on a flatbed whenever possible. If towing is necessary, only tow with the DRIVE wheels (rear wheels) OFF the ground. The Roadster uses a rear-mounted single-speed electric drive unit that should not be rotated with the vehicle powered off. Towing with rear wheels on the ground in Neutral may cause damage to the drive unit. Front-wheel towing (rear wheels up on dollies) is acceptable for short distances at low speeds (under 35 mph, less than 50 miles) but flatbed transport is always preferred.