warning light TESLA MODEL 3 2018 User Guide

Braking SystemsWarning: Properly functioning braking
systems are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a problem with the brake
pedal, brake caliper, or any component of
a Model 3 braking system, contact Tesla
immediately.
Model 3 has an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
that prevents the wheels from locking when
you apply maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control during heavy
braking in most road conditions.
During emergency braking conditions, the
ABS constantly monitors the speed of each
wheel and varies the brake pressure according to the grip available.
The alteration of brake pressure can be felt as
a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal.
This demonstrates that the ABS is operating
and is not a cause for concern. Keep
firm and
steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsing.
The ABS indicator flashes briefly on
the touchscreen when you first start
Model 3. If this indicator lights up at
any other time, an ABS fault has
occurred and the ABS is not
operating. Contact Tesla. The braking system remains fully operational and
is not
affected by an ABS failure.
However, braking distances may increase.
If the touchscreen displays this
indicator at any time other than
displaying
briefly when you first start
Model 3, a brake system fault is
detected or the brake
fluid level is
low. Contact Tesla immediately.
Emergency Braking
In an emergency, fully press the brake pedal and maintain
firm pressure, even on low
traction surfaces. The ABS varies the braking
pressure to each wheel according to the
amount of traction available. This prevents
wheels from locking and ensures that you stop
as safely as possible.
Warning: Do not pump the brake pedal.
Doing so interrupts operation of the ABS
and can increase braking distance.Warning: Always maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle in front of you and beaware of hazardous driving conditions.
While the ABS can improve stopping
distance, it cannot overcome the laws of physics. It also does not prevent the
danger of hydroplaning (where a layer of
water prevents direct contact between the tires and the road).
Automatic Emergency Braking automatically
applies full braking in situations where a
collision is considered imminent (see Automatic Emergency Braking on page 77).
Warning: Automatic Emergency Braking
is not designed to prevent a collision. At best, it can minimize the impact of a
frontal collision by attempting to reduce
your driving speed. Depending on Automatic Emergency Braking to avoid a
collision can result in serious injury or death.
Brake Wear
Model 3 brake pads are equipped with wear
indicators. A wear indicator is a thin metal
strip attached to the brake pad that squeals as
it rubs against the rotor when the pad wears
down. This squealing sound indicates that the
brake pads have reached the end of their service life and require replacement. To
replace the brake pads, contact Tesla Service.
Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads damages the braking system
and can result in a braking hazard.
Regenerative Braking
Whenever Model 3 is moving and your foot is
off the accelerator, regenerative braking slows
down Model 3 and feeds any surplus energy back to the Battery.
By anticipating your stops and reducing or
removing pressure from the accelerator pedal
to slow down, you can take advantage of regenerative braking to increase driving range.
Of course, this is no substitute for regular
braking when needed for safety.
Note: If regenerative braking is aggressively
slowing Model 3 (such as when your foot is
completely
off the accelerator pedal at
highway speeds), the brake lights turn on to
alert others that you are slowing down.
Warning: In snowy or icy conditions
Model 3 may experience traction loss
during regenerative braking, particularly
when in the Standard setting and/or not
using winter tires. Tesla recommends
Brakes
Driving49

Warning: Forward Collision Warning may
provide a warning in situations where the
likelihood of collision may not exist. Stay
alert and always pay attention to the area
in front of Model 3 so you can anticipate whether any action is required.Warning: Forward Collision Warning
operates only when driving between
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) and 90
mph (150 km/h).Warning: Forward Collision Warning does
not provide a warning when the driver is
already applying the brake.
Automatic Emergency Braking
The forward looking camera(s) and the radar
sensor are designed to determine the distance
from an object (vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or
pedestrian) traveling in front of Model 3.
When a frontal collision is considered
unavoidable, Automatic Emergency Braking is
designed to apply the brakes to reduce the
severity of the impact.
When Automatic Emergency Braking applies
the brakes, the touchscreen displays a visual
warning and sounds a chime. You may also
notice abrupt downward movement of the
brake pedal. The brake lights turn on to alert
other road users that you are slowing down.
If driving 29 mph (46 km/h) or faster, the
brakes are released after Automatic
Emergency Braking has reduced your driving
speed by 25 mph (40 km/h). For example, if
Automatic Emergency Braking applies braking
when driving 56 mph (90 km/h), it releases
the brakes when your speed has been reduced to 31 mph (50 km/h).
Automatic Emergency Braking operates only
when driving between approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) and 90 mph (150 km/h).
Automatic Emergency Braking does not apply the brakes, or stops applying the brakes,when:

DrivingAcceleration: Adjust the amount of acceleration. Chill limits acceleration for
a slightly smoother and gentler ride, whereas Standard provides the normal
level of acceleration.
Note: When Chill is selected, Chill displays on the touchscreen above the
driving speed.
Steering Mode : Adjust the amount of
effort required to turn the steering
wheel. Sport feels more responsive whereas Comfort feels easier to drive
and park (see Adjusting Steering
Effort on page 36).
Regenerative Braking : When you release the accelerator when driving,
regenerative braking slows Model 3 and feeds any surplus energy back to
the Battery. If set to LOW, Model 3 does not slow down as quickly, but also
feeds less energy back to the Battery (see Regenerative Braking on page
49).
Note: Regardless of the setting selected, the energy gained by regenerative
braking is reduced if the Battery is full, or is extremely cold or hot (in which
case, surplus energy is used to heat or cool it).
Traction Control : Turn slip start on to allow wheels to spin (see Traction
Control on page 51).
Creep : When on, Model 3 applies forward torque in Drive and backwards
torque in Reverse when you release the brake pedal (similar to a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission). The torque moves the
vehicle slowly on
flat roads, but may require you to press the accelerator
pedal in some situations (for example, when on a steep hill or driveway).
When
off, Model 3 is free rolling when you let your foot off the brake pedal
and the motor does not apply torque until the accelerator pedal is pressed.
You can adjust this setting only when Model 3 is in Park.
Warning: Never rely on Creep to apply enough torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down a hill. Always apply brakes to remain stopped
or the accelerator to proceed up the hill. Failure can result in property
damage and/or a collision.
Controls and Settings
Using the Touchscreen83

If the charge port light turns red while
charging, a fault is detected. Check the touchscreen for a message describing the
fault. A fault can occur due to something as
common as a power outage. If a power outage
occurs, charging resumes automatically when power is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan
operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds during charging.
Note: Air conditioning performance is
generally not
affected by charging. However,
under certain circumstances (for example, you
are charging at high currents during a
particularly warm day), the air coming from
the vents may not be as cool as expected and
a message displays on the touchscreen. This is
normal behavior and ensures that the Battery stays within an optimum temperature range
while charging to support longevity and optimum performance.
Warning: Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
charging. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in serious injury or
damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting
the charge cable or touching Stop Charging
on the touchscreen.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, Model 3 must be unlocked
or able to recognize your authenticated phone before you can disconnect the charge cable.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on a Tesla
connector to release the latch. You can
also touch Stop Charging on the charging
screen (see Charging Status and Settings
on page 109).
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
Note: The charge port automatically closes
within approximately 10 seconds of removing
the connector from the charge port.
Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model 3 plugged in when not in use. This maintains the Battery at the
optimum level of charge.Charge Port Light

Replacing Tires and Wheels
Tires degrade over time due to the
effects of
ultraviolet light, extreme temperatures, high
loads, and environmental conditions. It is
recommended that tires are replaced every six
years, or sooner if required.
Wheel and tires are matched to suit thehandling characteristics of the vehicle.
Replacement tires must comply with the
original
specification. If tires other than thosespecified are used, ensure that the load and
speed ratings marked on the tire (see Understanding Tire Markings on page 139)
equal or exceed those of the original
specification.
Ideally, you should replace all four tires at the same time. If this is not possible, replace the
tires in pairs, placing the new tires on the rear.
Always balance the wheel after replacing a
tire.
If you replace a wheel, the TPMS (Tire Pressure
Monitoring System) sensors need to be reset to ensure they provide accurate warnings
when tires are under- or
over-inflated (see
Automatic Resetting of TPMS Sensors on
page 117).
For the
specification of the original wheels
and tires installed on Model 3, see Wheels and
Tires on page 138.
Warning:
For your safety, use only tires
and wheels that match the original
specification. Tires that do not match the
original specification can affect the
operation of the TPMS.
Warning: Never exceed the speed rating
of your vehicle

driven 15 mph (25 km/h) for longer than 10
minutes.
Replacing a Tire Sensor
If the Tire Pressure warning indicator displays frequently, contact Tesla to determine if a tire
sensor needs to be replaced. If a non-Tesla Service Center repairs or replaces a tire, the
tire sensor may not work until Tesla performs
the setup procedure.
TPMS Malfunction
Model 3 has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the
system is not operating properly.The TPMS malfunction indicator is
combined with the tire pressure
indicator light. When the system
detects a malfunction, the indicator
flashes for approximately one minute
after Model 3 powers on, and then
remains continuously lit. This
sequence continues upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists. When the
TPMS malfunction indicator is on,
the system might not be able to
detect or signal under- and
over-
inflated tires as intended.
TPMS malfunctions can occur for a variety of
reasons, including installing replacement or
alternate tires or wheels that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check
the TPMS malfunction indicator light after replacing one or more tires or wheels on yourvehicle to ensure that the replacement tires or
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function
properly.
Note: If a tire has been replaced or repaired
using a
different tire sealant than the one
available from Tesla, and a low tire pressure is
detected, it is possible that the tire sensor has been damaged. Contact Tesla to have the fault
repaired as soon as possible.
Tire Care and Maintenance
118Model 3 Owner

Cleaning the ExteriorTo prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Model
3 is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use
denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and
stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model 3:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing,
flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel
arches and panel seams). If salt has been
used on the highways (such as during
winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces
of road salt from the underside of the vehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCaution: Do not use windshield treatmentfluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.Caution: Do not use hot water or
detergents.Caution: Do not wash in direct sunlight.Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm)
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model 3. Keep the nozzle moving and do not concentrate the water jet on any one
area.Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door or hood seals, or through
wheel apertures onto brake components.Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.Caution: If washing in an automatic car
wash, use Touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes,
etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model 3.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that is not covered by the
warranty.Caution: Ensure the wipers are off before
washing Model 3 to avoid the risk of damaging the wipers.Caution: Do not use chemical based
wheel cleaners. These can damage the
finish on the wheels.
Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the camera(s) or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.Warning: Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
Model 3 is charging. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in serious
injury or damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Cleaning
Maintenance119

Cleaning the Interior
Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its appearance and to prevent
premature wear. If possible, immediately wipe up spills and remove marks. For general
cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft
cloth (such as
microfiber) dampened with a
mixture of warm water and mild non-
detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a
concealed area before use). To avoid streaks,
dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth.
Interior Glass
Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can
damage the reflective surface of the mirror
and the heating elements in the rear window.
Airbags
Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag
cover. This could
affect correct operation.
Dashboard and Plastic Surfaces
Do not polish the upper surfaces of the
dashboard. Polished surfaces are
reflectiveand could interfere with your driving view.
Polyurethane Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft
cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. After cleaning, allow the seats to air
dry.
Cloth Seats
Wipe spills as soon as possible using a soft
cloth moistened with warm water and non-
detergent soap. Wipe gently in a circular
motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free
cloth. Vacuum the seats as needed to remove
any loose dirt.
Carpets
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled
areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner.
Seat Belts
Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type
of detergent or chemical cleaning agent.
Allow the belts to dry naturally while
extended, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
Touchscreen
Clean the touchscreen using a soft lint-free
cloth
specifically designed to clean monitors
and displays. Do not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) and do not use a wet wipe or a
dry statically-charged cloth (such as a recently washed
microfiber). To wipe the
touchscreen without activating buttons and
changing settings, you can enable clean mode.
Touch Controls > Display > Screen Clean
Mode . The display darkens to make it easy to
see dust and smudges.
Chrome and Metal Surfaces
Polish, abrasive cleaners or hard cloths can
damage the
finish on chrome and metal
surfaces.
Cautions for Interior Cleaning
Caution: Using solvents (including
alcohol), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based products or additives on
interior components can cause damage.Caution: Statically-charged materials can
cause damage to the touchscreen.Warning: If you notice any damage on an
airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla
immediately.Warning: Do not allow any water,
cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt
mechanism.Warning: Exposure to chemical cleaners
can be hazardous and can irritate eyes
and skin. Read and observe the
instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
Polishing, Touch Up, and Body
Repair
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body, you can occasionally treat the paint
surfaces with an approved polish containing:

AABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 49
absolute speed limit 79
access panel, removing 124accessoriesplugging into power socket 17
aero covers 115
air circulation 87
air conditioning 86
air distribution 87
air
filter 89
air vents 88
airbags 30
alarm 100
all-season tires 116
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy 97
ambient lights 45
anti-lock braking (ABS) 49
audioequalizer 90
immersive sound 90
playing
files 90
steering wheel scroll button 36
volume control 90
auto fold
38
Auto Lane Change 70
auto tilt 38
AUTO wipers 48
automatic emergency braking 77
Autopark 72
Autopilotautomatic emergency braking 76
Autopark 72
Autosteer 67
blind spot warning 74
collision avoidance assist 76
forward collision warning 76
overtake acceleration 61
overview 58
side collision warning 74
speed assist 79
speed limit warning 79
staying within speed limits 79
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 61
Autopilot components 58
Autosteer 67
B backup camera 56
battery (12V)complete discharge 107specifications 136Battery (high voltage)care of 107
coolant 124
specifications 136
Battery (high voltage) (continued)temperature limits 107
blind spot warning 74
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 92
general information 93
phone, pairing and using 93
body repairs 129
body touch up 120
brake
fluid replacement 112
brakesautomatic in emergencies 77fluid level 124
overview of 49
specifications 136
C
cabin camera 57
cabin temperature control 86
California Proposition 65 153
camera (rear view) 56
cameras (autopilot) 58
car cover 121
car washes 119
card 7
cargo area 12
cargo volume 135
carpets, cleaning 120
CE
certifications 155
CHAdeMO 106
chains 117
charge port 108
charge port light 109
chargingcharge settings 109
charging status 109
components and equipment 105
instructions 108
public charging stations 106
scheduling 109
charging locations, finding 96
child protectiondisabling rear window switches 11
child protection locks 10
child seatsinstalling and using 24
cleaning 119
climate controls 86
coat hangers 17
collision avoidance assist 76
console12V power socket 17
opening (premium package) 16
rear 17
USB ports 16contact informationroadside assistance 145
Index
158Model 3 Owner

contact information (continued)Tesla 154coolantBattery, checking level of 124
Battery, replacement interval 112
copyrights 151
cruise control 61
D
dashboard overview 2
data recording 152
data sharing 152
declarations of conformity 155
delivery mileage 153
devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 92
connecting 16
playing audio
files from 92
dimensions 134
dome (map) lights 45
door handles 9
door labels 131
doorsChild Lock 10
exterior door handles 9
interior locking and unlocking 10
keyless entry 9
locking 9
opening from exterior 9
opening from interior 9
Unlock on Park 10
unlocking 9
Walk Away Lock 10
Drive gear 41
driverprofiles 34
seat adjustment 18drivingseating position 18
starting 39
E
Easter Eggs 150
easy entry, driver
profile 34
EDR (event data recorder) 152
electric parking brake 50
emergency braking 76
emergency
flashers 47
emission label 130
energygained from regenerative braking 49
range information 42
energy use predictions (navigating) 97
event data recording 152
exteriorexterior (continued)car cover 121
cleaning 119
dimensions 134
lights 45
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 120
F
fan speed, interior 87
favorite destinations 98
Favorites (Media Player) 91
Favorites (navigation) 95
FCC
certifications 155
features, downloading new 104
firmware (software) updates 104flash drives, playing audio files from 92flashers, warning 47floor mats 121
fluidsreplacement intervals 112
reservoirs, checking 124
fog lights 45
forward collision warning 76
front passenger detection 32
front trunk 14
G
garage doors, opening 101
gates, opening 101
GAWR 131
gears 41
glovebox 16
Gross Axle Weight Rating 131
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 131
ground clearance 134
GVWR 131
H hazard warning
flashers 47
head supports 19
headlightsafter exit 46
controlling 45
high beams 45
heating 86
high beam headlights 45
high voltageBattery specifications 136
components 105
safety 112
hills, stopping on 54
hitches 132
Index
Index159