🚨 2012 Tesla Roadster: Emergency Neutral
The 2012 Tesla Roadster uses a console-mounted sequential shifter with positions for Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive.
✓ 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 parking brake is engaged if functional
- The Roadster requires 12V power to release the parking brake electronically - if the 12V battery is completely dead, the parking brake cannot be released without a jump or battery replacement
- With even minimal 12V power present, turn the key to ON position (do not need high voltage)
- Press and hold the brake pedal firmly
- Move the shifter from Park to Neutral - the shifter should move freely with brake pedal depressed
- If the shifter will not move due to shift interlock failure, locate the small shift lock override slot near the base of the shifter console (typically covered by a small plastic cap)
- Remove the cap and insert a small flathead screwdriver or key into the override slot while pressing the brake pedal
- While holding the override depressed, move the shifter to Neutral
- Vehicle can now be pushed or loaded onto flatbed
Shift-lock override location
Small covered slot near the base of the center console shifter, driver's side of the shifter mechanism
With zero electrical power
The Roadster's electronic parking brake CANNOT be released without 12V power. You must either jump-start the 12V battery or replace it to release the parking brake before the vehicle can be moved. The shift interlock override will allow shifter movement to Neutral, but the parking brake remains the critical blocker.
⚡ EV / hybrid warning
CRITICAL: The Tesla Roadster must be transported on a flatbed with all wheels off the ground. DO NOT tow with any wheels on the ground as the electric motor is permanently connected to the drivetrain and towing will generate electricity back into the system, potentially causing severe damage and fire risk. Ensure parking brake is released before loading.