Tesla cars are known for their innovative design, high performance, and advanced technology. But sometimes, you may need to put your Tesla in neutral, such as when you want to tow it, wash it, or move it without starting the engine. However, unlike conventional cars with a gear shift, Tesla cars have different ways of shifting into neutral, depending on the model and the year. In detailed article, I will provide instructions on how to put a Tesla in neutral, covering all models, including Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
How to Put a Tesla in Neutral: Tesla Model S and Model X (Pre-2021)
For Model S and Model X made before 2021, shifting into neutral is done by using the gear stalk on the right side of the steering column. The gear stalk has four positions: Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. To shift into neutral, you need to do the following steps:
- If you are in Park, press the brake pedal and move the gear stalk up or down to the first position. This will put the car in neutral.
- If you are in Drive, press the brake pedal and move the gear stalk up to the first position. This will put the car in reverse, then neutral.
- If you are in Reverse, press the brake pedal and move the gear stalk down to the first position. This will put the car in drive, then neutral.
- If you have Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control enabled, you need to hold the gear stalk in the first position for more than one second to shift into neutral. This will also disable Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
To shift out of neutral, you can either move the gear stalk up or down to the desired position or press the button on the end of the gear stalk to put the car in park. If you try to exit the car while it is in neutral, the car will automatically shift into the park and apply the parking brake.
How to Put a Tesla in Neutral: Model S and Model X (2021 and Later)
For Model S and Model X manufactured in 2021 and later, transitioning into neutral is accomplished through the use of the touchscreen located on the center console. The touch screen has a car icon on the bottom left corner, which opens the Controls menu. To shift into neutral, you need to do the following steps:
- Tap the car icon to open the Controls menu.
- Tap the Neutral button and hold it for one second. This will put the car in neutral.
- If you have Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control enabled, you need to tap and hold the Neutral button for more than one second to shift into neutral. This will also disable Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
To shift out of neutral, you have the option of either tapping the Drive or Reverse button on the touchscreen or pressing the brake pedal. You can then use the scroll wheel on the steering wheel to choose the desired gear. If you try to exit the car while it is in neutral, the car will automatically shift into the park and apply the parking brake.
How to Put a Tesla in Neutral: Model 3 and Model Y
For Model 3 and Model Y, shifting into neutral is done by using the gear stalk on the right side of the steering column. The gear stalk has three positions: Park, Reverse, and Drive. To shift into neutral, you need to do the following steps:
- If you are in Park, press the brake pedal and move the gear stalk up or down. This will put the car in neutral.
- If you are in Drive, press the brake pedal and move the gear stalk up. This will put the car in neutral.
- If you are in Reverse, press the brake pedal and move the gear stalk down. This will put the car in neutral.
- If you have Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control enabled, you need to hold the gear stalk in the desired direction for more than one second to shift into neutral. This will also disable Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control.
To shift out of neutral, you can either move the gear stalk up or down to the desired position or press the button on the end of the gear stalk to put the car in park. If you try to exit the car while it is in neutral, the car will automatically shift into the park and apply the parking brake.
Tow Mode
If you want to put your Tesla in neutral and keep it that way after exiting the car, you need to use the Tow Mode. Tow Mode is a special mode that allows you to tow your car or move it without power.
To activate Tow Mode, you need to do the following steps:
- Tap the car icon to open the Controls menu.
- Tap the Service button to open the Service menu.
- Tap the Towing button to open the Towing menu.
- Tap the Transportation Mode button to enable Tow Mode. This will put the car in neutral and display a message on the touch screen.
- Exit the car and close all doors. The car will remain in neutral, and the parking brake will be released.
To deactivate Tow Mode, you need to do the following steps:
- Start by entering the car and pressing the brake pedal. This action will deactivate Tow Mode and place the car in park.
- Tap the car icon to open the Controls menu.
- Tap the Service button to open the Service menu.
- Tap the Towing button to open the Towing menu.
- Tap the Transportation Mode button to disable Tow Mode. This will display a message on the touch screen.
Does Tesla Car Wash mode put the car in neutral?
Tesla car wash mode does not automatically put the car in neutral. You need to enable the Free Roll option in the car wash mode screen to shift the car to neutral and prevent the parking brake from applying if you leave the driver’s seat. This is useful for automatic car washes with conveyor belts. However, you may not want to use the car wash mode or the free roll option, as they may cause damage to your car or void your warranty. You should always check the owner’s manual and follow the recommended instructions for washing your Tesla.
Conclusion
Putting a Tesla in neutral is not as straightforward as in a regular car, but it is not too difficult either. You just need to know the right steps for your specific model and year. Whether you need to put your Tesla in neutral for a car wash, a tow, or a simple move, you can follow this guide and do it safely and easily. I hope you found this blog post helpful and informative.
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