Model Y Driver Says It Has an Emergency Gear Shifter. Then He Reveals Where It Is

One of the most notable features of Tesla vehicles is the large infotainment screen placed smack dab in the middle of its dashboard. The screen is used for a wide variety of functions.

From accessing a slew of different Easter Eggs to pretty much all of the car’s vital usage scenarios, the screen’s importance cannot be overstated. It’s so crucial, in fact, that many Tesla drivers would probably be lost on how to even operate their cars if it were to break down.

This includes even putting the car into gear to drive or park it in the event that the screen is disabled. Fortunately, a Model Y driver’s post highlights a functionality that some Tesla owners may not be aware of, and it’s one that could be a lifesaver for those in the unenviable position of cruising around in a Tesla with a defective screen.

TikTok user Diamond Joey (@diamond.joey.z) uploaded a video detailing that his Model Y is equipped with an emergency gear shifter. It’s just located in an unusual place that’s actually hiding in plain sight.

Where Is the Tesla Emergency Gear Shifter?

At the onset of his clip, Joey shows how folks can go about accessing this gear shifter if their Tesla’s screen fails. 

“If you guys have the new Model Y that doesn’t have the gear shifter here, there is an emergency gear shifter up here,” he says, pointing to the ceiling of the car at a small segment that houses reading lights and the vehicle’s hazard button.

He presses his finger against what looks like a blank space next to the hazard light emblem. After a few seconds, a series of lights begins to glow, reading “P, R, N, D,” just as they would on a car’s traditional shifting mechanism. 

The TikToker explains, “If you hold brake and you hold up here, just like that, you can get your park, your drive, neutral, that sort of thing up here.” 

He goes on to explain that this functionality is used as a fail-safe for folks whose large infotainment screens cease to work appropriately. 

“If for some reason that screen breaks or it’s not shining … lighting up, whatever. You can put the car into gear from the top,” he says.

Is the Emergency Gear Shift the Same In All Teslas?

According to the Tesla Model S owner’s manual, the gear shift selector isn’t situated in the car’s ceiling. For the EV sedan, Tesla states that there are buttons that allow drivers to place the vehicle into park, drive, neutral, or reverse on its center console. 

“In most situations, these buttons are not available until you press one of the buttons to activate it,” Tesla writes.

Moreover, the automaker indicates that when the car is placed in valet or tow mode, these buttons are instantly illuminated and ready for use. Additionally, Tesla says its Model X line comes with an alternative gear shifter in the same exact center console space.

However, the Model Y and Model 3 sport this emergency shifter in the ceiling of the car, as demonstrated by Joey in his clip. 

The Cybertruck’s emergency gear selector’s placement is also in an overhead console. However, this is located right above the car’s interior dash cam. Tesla’s owner’s manual for the electric truck details precisely where it is, with an image, along with how to activate it.

Gallery: 2026 Tesla Model Y Standard

Tesla Ditches the Standard Stalk Gear Shifter

However, as pointed out by this Reddit user, the emergency gear shift selector panel wasn’t present in previous Model 3 models. This is more than likely a consequence of Tesla’s decision to remove the driving stalk from its cars. While the Model X and S were the first to do away with stalks, the Model 3 didn’t see them go away until the Highland update.

In January of 2025, the Model Y’s stalk returned; however, its usage was dedicated to engaging turn signals, which means owners couldn’t use the stalk to place the car into drive, park, neutral, or reverse. The Model Y keeps the emergency gear shifter in place above the vehicle for drivers to utilize should they need to do so.

Can You Drive a Tesla With a Damaged Infotainment Screen?

For those wondering if a Tesla can be driven with a broken screen, it can be done. There are several folks who’ve recorded themselves doing so, like this person who went on a road trip in a Tesla with a blank screen. Or this person, who wanted to test what it was like operating the EV with its infotainment display completely removed.

Commenters Respond to Tesla Emergency Gear Shifter Revelation

Folks who replied to Joey’s video had varied responses to the emergency gear shift showcase. 

One person exclaimed that they weren’t privy to the information prior to watching his clip. They simply wrote, “Wait! What?” Whereas another questioned whether the Model 3 carried the same feature. “Does the 3 have this also?” they penned. Joey confirmed that this was indeed the case: “Yes,” he wrote, while adding a smiley face emoji.

Another person wondered why there are folks who purchase vehicles but don’t read the owner’s manuals that come with them. “Does no one look at the manual anymore? Tesla's is on the screen and has pictures. Why would you not want to know how your own vehicle works?!” they asked.

However, Joey contended that social media posts like the one he shared can help fill others in on features they aren’t familiar with. “Right this is why we share. So others who don’t know can find out,” he stated.

Motor1 has reached out to Joey via email for further comment.