Can the car be moved short distance by pushing in Neutral ?

[kimwin]

Pls forgive me if this post is in the wrong topic.

Any ICE car can be towed, pushed with 4 wheels on ground if put in NEUTRAL. I am wondering if Tesla car can be pushed to move short distance when put in NEUTRAL. I understand that it cannot be towed with wheels on ground !!!
The you tube video (link below) shows a Tesla being towed with all wheels on ground using the regen breaking system to charge the main battery. (That will void Tesla warranty for sure).

To think about: an ICE car ran out of fuel on the road, another car (AAA or road service) can bring in few gallons of fuel to get this car running to the closest gas station. An EV running out of battery on the road (due to driver's carelessness) has two options: 1) get it towed to the closest SuperCharging station, 2) some road service bring in some sort of charger to charge the car enough so it can get to the closest SuperCharging station.

 

[GtiMart]

Put the car in Tow mode and you can tow it or push it. The car will move freely so be careful.

 

[gearchruncher]

(That will void Tesla warranty for sure).

Why? This is identical to being at the top of a mountain and regenning down the mountain for miles and miles, which is covered.

The car doesn't know or care if it's being towed by another car or gravity.

 

[jjrandorin]

Why? This is identical to being at the top of a mountain and regenning down the mountain for miles and miles, which is covered.

The car doesn't know or care if it's being towed by another car or gravity.

There is an entire section of the model 3 manual that specifically states not to tow the car with the wheels on the ground. Whether someone wants to listen or not is another story. There is also a specific section in the manual that speaks to "towing" and that model 3 is not suitable for towing in the US, yet people do it all the time.

Before anyone jumps on me, I am just pointing out that it says "dont do this" specifically in the manual, as well as stating that it may cause things to ignite (and any damage from "improper" towing is not covered by the warranty, with "improper" being wheels on the ground towing. Since these are the most connected cars in the world, Tesla would absolutely know if the car spent miles of time on a flat grade in regen braking.

As far as the OPs question though, sure short distances in neutral should be fine, if you wanted to get to the side of the road or something.

=============================================

Model 3 Owner's Manual | Tesla

In the event that your vehicle needs to be towed, learn about the logistics of transporting it.

www.tesla.com

Instructions for Transporters​

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND​

The motor(s) in Model 3 generates power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model 3 with all four tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.
Warning
NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.

Do not transport Model 3 using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.

Approved Methods for Transporting​

A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model 3. The vehicle can face either direction when using a flatbed.

If Model 3 must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle facing forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.

CAUTION
Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode) before winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck (see Pull onto the Flatbed Truck). If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model 3, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
Note
Transport Mode is only intended to allow for winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.
Warning
Model 3 is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a collision (see High Voltage Components). Before transporting Model 3, it is important to assume these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.

Activate Transport Mode​

Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. When active, Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. To enable Transport Mode:

• Low voltage power is required. You will be unable to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode if Model 3 has no power.
• Model 3 must detect a key. Transport Mode is available only when a key is detected.

To activate Transport Mode:

1. Ensure Model 3 is in Park.
2. Chock the tires or make sure Model 3 is secure.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport Model 3.
4. Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. Model 3 is now free-rolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.

To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model 3 into Park.
Note
If your vehicle is equipped with a lead-acid low voltage battery (see Jump Starting): Transport Mode may cancel if Model 3 loses low voltage power after Transport Mode is enabled.
CAUTION
If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended loading capacity.

Pull onto the Flatbed Truck​

Note
If Model 3 has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to open the hood or use the touchscreen (see Jump Starting).
CAUTION
To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

1. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located in the front trunk.
2. Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on its top right perimeter until it pivots inward, then gently pull the raised section toward you.
   Note
   The tow eye cover is connected to the vehicle's black negative (-) terminal.
   
3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
   CAUTION
   Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
5. Activate Transport Mode.
6. Pull Model 3 slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Secure the Tires​

The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method:

• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
• Do not place tie-down straps over the body panels or through the wheels.

CAUTION
Attaching the tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may cause damage.

If Vehicle Has No Power​

If Model 3 has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the low voltage battery.

1. Open the hood. See Opening Hood with No Power for more information on opening the hood if the vehicle does not have power.
2. Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting).

Note
Tow providers: See Running Out of Range for more information on transporting the vehicle to a charging station and preparing the vehicle to charge.
CAUTION
Because the windows automatically lower slightly when you open or close a door, always connect to an external, low voltage power supply before opening a door if the vehicle has no power to avoid breaking a window (see Jump Starting).

 

[gearchruncher]

There is an entire section of the model 3 manual that specifically states not to tow the car with the wheels on the ground.

Agreed. But there's a detail in here- the "transporting" Tesla talks about is normal transporting, with nobody in the car. The issue there is that in this mode, the motors have no power so the oil pumps are not on, they cannot manage back EMF, and probably a bigger deal is that the car is in "park" because it's impossible to keep it in any other drive mode with nobody in the seat, so it will just drag the rear tires locked up.

And this is why it starts with DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND, not DO NOT TOW WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND. The section only uses the word "tow" in relation to the tow eye and the menu labeled "towing." It uses transporting everywhere lese.

Any ICE car can be towed, pushed with 4 wheels on ground if put in NEUTRAL. I am wondering if Tesla car can be pushed to move short distance when put in NEUTRAL. I understand that it cannot be towed with wheels on ground !!!
The you tube video (link below) shows a Tesla being towed with all wheels on ground using the regen breaking system to charge the main battery. (That will void Tesla warranty for sure).

The OP is asking about NEUTRAL. In this case, someone is in the car. Which means the car is ON, and all systems are on. The car now doesn't know or care if gravity or a car is pulling it, and nobody says you can't go roll down a hill in a Tesla with you in it, and Tesla doesn't tell you that putting your car into Neutral at highway speeds will damage it.

Regen isn't any different. You gotta be in the car, in drive. The car is on, this is just using external energy to charge the battery.

I mean, what if you PUSH the car instead of TOW it? Tesla doesn't say anything about that

 

[kimwin]

So, if someone is in the car put in Neutral, then the car can be pushed by others, probably so it comes close to the Super Charging station for charging.
If no one is in the car, it must be put in Transport mode (or tow mode ???) to be pushed.

 

[Kairide]

Can a Tesla be moved a short distance in neutral?
Yes, end of story.

 

[al_amhara]

There is an entire section of the model 3 manual that specifically states not to tow the car with the wheels on the ground. Whether someone wants to listen or not is another story. There is also a specific section in the manual that speaks to "towing" and that model 3 is not suitable for towing in the US, yet people do it all the time.

Before anyone jumps on me, I am just pointing out that it says "dont do this" specifically in the manual, as well as stating that it may cause things to ignite (and any damage from "improper" towing is not covered by the warranty, with "improper" being wheels on the ground towing. Since these are the most connected cars in the world, Tesla would absolutely know if the car spent miles of time on a flat grade in regen braking.

As far as the OPs question though, sure short distances in neutral should be fine, if you wanted to get to the side of the road or something.

=============================================

Model 3 Owner's Manual | Tesla

In the event that your vehicle needs to be towed, learn about the logistics of transporting it.

www.tesla.com

Instructions for Transporters​

DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH WHEELS ON THE GROUND​

The motor(s) in Model 3 generates power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model 3 with all four tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.
Warning
NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.

Do not transport Model 3 using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.

Approved Methods for Transporting​

A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model 3. The vehicle can face either direction when using a flatbed.

If Model 3 must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle facing forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.

CAUTION
Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode) before winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck (see Pull onto the Flatbed Truck). If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model 3, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
Note
Transport Mode is only intended to allow for winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.
Warning
Model 3 is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a collision (see High Voltage Components). Before transporting Model 3, it is important to assume these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.

Activate Transport Mode​

Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. When active, Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. To enable Transport Mode:

• Low voltage power is required. You will be unable to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode if Model 3 has no power.
• Model 3 must detect a key. Transport Mode is available only when a key is detected.

To activate Transport Mode:

1. Ensure Model 3 is in Park.
2. Chock the tires or make sure Model 3 is secure.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport Model 3.
4. Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. Model 3 is now free-rolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.

To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model 3 into Park.
Note
If your vehicle is equipped with a lead-acid low voltage battery (see Jump Starting): Transport Mode may cancel if Model 3 loses low voltage power after Transport Mode is enabled.
CAUTION
If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended loading capacity.

Pull onto the Flatbed Truck​

Note
If Model 3 has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to open the hood or use the touchscreen (see Jump Starting).
CAUTION
To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

1. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located in the front trunk.
2. Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on its top right perimeter until it pivots inward, then gently pull the raised section toward you.
   Note
   The tow eye cover is connected to the vehicle's black negative (-) terminal.
   
3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.
   CAUTION
   Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.
5. Activate Transport Mode.
6. Pull Model 3 slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Secure the Tires​

The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method:

• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
• Do not place tie-down straps over the body panels or through the wheels.

CAUTION
Attaching the tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may cause damage.

If Vehicle Has No Power​

If Model 3 has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the low voltage battery.

1. Open the hood. See Opening Hood with No Power for more information on opening the hood if the vehicle does not have power.
2. Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump Starting).

Note
Tow providers: See Running Out of Range for more information on transporting the vehicle to a charging station and preparing the vehicle to charge.
CAUTION
Because the windows automatically lower slightly when you open or close a door, always connect to an external, low voltage power supply before opening a door if the vehicle has no power to avoid breaking a window (see Jump Starting).

manual states that "to cancel transport model, shift model 3 into park". Does this means that you can leave that like that for an indefinite amount of time?

 

[jjrandorin]

I wouldnt think so but you need to check with Tesla.