However, if you need to how to put tesla in neutral for legitimate reasons, such as during a towing or servicing situation, here are the general steps to do so:

1. Ensure that the vehicle is in park and the parking brake is engaged.
   
2. Turn the vehicle off by putting it in park, pressing the brake pedal, and holding down the power button on the touchscreen until the screen turns black.
   
3. Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the 12-volt battery. This battery is typically located in the front of the vehicle, near the windshield on the driver’s side.
   
4. Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12-volt battery using a wrench or pliers. It’s important to disconnect the negative terminal first to prevent accidental electrical discharge of the electric vehicle.
   
5. Wait at least 2 minutes to allow any residual power to drain from the vehicle’s systems.
   
6. Once the waiting period is over, you can manually shift the vehicle into neutral by using the tow mode or shift interlock release mechanism. The location and procedure may vary depending on the specific Tesla model you have. Please refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for detailed instructions.
   

It’s worth noting that putting a Tesla vehicle in neutral should only be done by trained and qualified individuals, such as tow truck operators or authorized Tesla service technicians. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it’s best to contact Tesla customer service or a qualified professional for assistance. Also, be sure to follow all local laws and regulations regarding towing or servicing a vehicle.

How to Put Tesla in Neutral When the Battery is Dead

If your Tesla vehicle has a discharged battery and you need to place it in neutral, you may need to use the mechanical shift interlock release mechanism, which is a physical override to manually shift the vehicle into neutral. Here are the general steps:

1. Locate the mechanical shift interlock release mechanism: The location of the shift interlock release mechanism may vary depending on the specific Tesla model you have. In most Tesla vehicles, it is located near the center console, typically underneath a small cover or trim piece.
   
2. Remove the cover or trim piece: Use a pry tool or your fingers to carefully remove the cover or trim piece that is concealing the shift interlock release mechanism.
   
3. Insert the mechanical key or tool: Once the shift interlock release mechanism is exposed, you may need to use a mechanical key or a specific tool provided by Tesla to insert into the release mechanism.
   
4. Apply pressure and shift to neutral: Apply steady pressure to the mechanical key or tool and simultaneously shift the transmission into neutral. This may require pushing or pulling the release mechanism while moving the gear selector.
   
5. Release the key or tool: Once the vehicle is in neutral, you can remove the mechanical key or tool from the shift interlock release mechanism.
   

Please note that using the mechanical shift interlock release mechanism is intended for emergency situations when the battery is discharged and should be done with caution. It’s important to contact Tesla customer service or a qualified professional for assistance in resolving any battery-related issues or for proper guidance on manually shifting the vehicle into neutral. Also, remember to follow all local laws and regulations regarding towing or moving a vehicle with a discharged battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to put my Tesla in neutral while driving?

A: No, it is not safe to put a Tesla vehicle in neutral while driving. The vehicle should always be in a gear (Drive, Reverse, or Park) when driving to maintain control and safety.

Q: Can I put my Tesla in neutral to tow it?

A: Yes, you can put a Tesla vehicle in neutral for towing purposes using the tow mode or the mechanical shift interlock release mechanism, as per Tesla’s guidelines and recommendations.

Q: How do I activate the tow mode in my Tesla vehicle?

A: The tow mode in Tesla vehicles can typically be activated through the settings menu on the touchscreen display. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact Tesla customer service for specific instructions.

Q: Can I put my Tesla in neutral to push it?

A: Yes, you can put a Tesla vehicle in neutral to manually push or roll it if needed, but this should be done with caution and on a flat surface to ensure safety.

Q: Can I use regenerative braking in neutral?

A: No, regenerative braking, which is a feature in Tesla vehicles that recaptures energy from braking, is disabled when the vehicle is in neutral.

Q: Can I put my Tesla in neutral with the vehicle turned off?

A: Yes, you can put a Tesla vehicle in neutral with the vehicle turned off using the mechanical shift interlock release mechanism, if needed.

Q: Can I put my Tesla in neutral while it’s charging?

A: It is not recommended to put a Tesla vehicle in neutral while it’s charging, as it may affect the charging process and safety. It’s best to follow Tesla’s guidelines and recommendations.

Q: Do I need professional assistance to put my Tesla in neutral?

A: It’s recommended to seek professional assistance from a trained technician or contact Tesla customer service for guidance on putting a Tesla vehicle in neutral, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process or if there are any issues with the vehicle.