charging TESLA MODEL 3 2023 User Guide

NOTE: Use a USB port located at the front of the center
console. The USB connections at the rear of the console are for charging only.
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after
approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only support charging devices. Use the USB port inside the glove box for all other functions.
Bluetooth Connected Devices
If you have a Bluetooth-capable device such as a phone that is paired and connected to
Model 3 (see Pairing a
Bluetooth Phone on page 122), you can play audio files

stored on it. Choose Media Player

Charging Equipment
Charging equipment designed specifically to charge
your
Model 3 is available from Tesla.
For information on the charging equipment available for
your region, go to http://shop.tesla.com.

About the High Voltage Battery
Model 3 has one of the most sophisticated battery
systems in the world. The most important way to preserve the high voltage Battery is to
LEAVE YOUR
VEHICLE PLUGGED IN when you are not using it. This is
particularly important if you are not planning to drive
Model 3 for several weeks.
NOTE: When left idle and unplugged, your vehicle
periodically uses energy from the Battery for system
tests and recharging the
low voltage battery when
necessary.
There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery

NOTE: Although Tesla recommends charging to 100% at
least once per week, remember that regenerative
braking is reduced while driving with a fully charged
battery. See
Regenerative Braking on page 61.
Submerged Vehicle
As with any electric vehicle, if your Tesla has been
exposed to
flooding, extreme weather events or has
otherwise been submerged in water (especially in salt water), treat it as if it

NOTE: If equipped with an early generation charge port,
the charge port remains unlocked whenever the vehicle
is not charging and in a cold ambient temperature below
41

WARNING: Do not perform this procedure when
your vehicle is charging, or if any orange high
voltage conductors are exposed. Failure to follow
these instructions can result in electric shock and
serious injury or damage to the vehicle. If you are
uncertain as to how to safely perform this
procedure, contact your nearest Service Center.
Charging Instructions
162MODEL 3 Owner

Toggle between Scheduled Departure and Scheduled Charging by touching
Controls > Charging > Switch to
Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure when Model
3 is in Park.
NOTE: Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure
settings are also available on the Climate Controls screen and in the Tesla mobile app.
Think of Scheduled Charging as "When do I want
charging to start?" and think of
Scheduled Departure
Off-Peak Charging which is "When do I want charging to
be complete?"
Scheduled Charging can be used together with
Scheduled Departure Preconditioning but not with
Scheduled Departure Off-Peak Charging.
Scheduled Charging/Scheduled Departure settings are
automatically saved for each location.
NOTE: If you plug in Model 3 with both Off-Peak
Charging and Scheduled Charging deselected, your
vehicle charges immediately.
Using Scheduled Charging
Use Scheduled Charging to specify a daily time in which
you want
Model 3 to start charging.
With Scheduled Charging selected, enable the feature
then set a daily time to start charging.
NOTE: Scheduled Charging starts charging immediately
if
Model 3 is plugged in up to six hours after the
scheduled start time. However, if
Model 3 is plugged in
after six hours of the scheduled charging time, charging may not start until the scheduled time on the next day.
Using Scheduled Departure
Use Scheduled Departure to set a daily time when you
want
Model 3 to be ready to drive. Model 3
automatically calculates when it needs to start preconditioning and/or charging. This ensures that charging is complete and/or the cabin climate and
Battery are preconditioned by your departure time.
When Scheduled Departure is displayed, touch
Schedule to set a daily time when you want Model 3 to
be ready to drive. Specify a time, then touch
Settings to
enable one or both of the following departure features.
When plugging in with
Off-Peak Charging enabled, the
vehicle
briefly draws power (you may hear clicking) to
calculate the necessary charging start time.
After you

Range Assurance
The driving range displayed in Model 3 is an estimate of
the remaining battery energy based on EPA-rated
consumption. It may not account for your personal
driving patterns or external conditions. The displayed range on the
touchscreen may decrease faster than the
actual distance driven.
To view estimated range based
on your recent energy consumption, open the Energy
app to display the graph.
NOTE: Rated driving range is based on EPA-rated
consumption in the United States, which deviates from tests advertised and performed in other jurisdictions.
Model 3 helps protect you against running out of energy.
Your vehicle continuously monitors its energy level and proximity to known charging locations.
Touch Chargers in the Navigation search
bar to toggle between types of chargers,
including Superchargers and destination charging sites.
When you are at risk of driving beyond the range of
known charging locations, the touchscreen displays a message giving you the opportunity to display a list of
charging locations that are within range. When you
select a charging location from the list,
Model 3 provides
navigation instructions and the turn-by-turn direction list
displays the predicted amount of energy that will remain when you arrive at the charging destination.
Trip Planner (if available in your market region) routes
you through Supercharger locations to minimize the amount of time you spend charging and driving. To
enable, touch
Controls > Navigation > Trip Planner (see
Trip Planner on page 146).
Energy App
The Energy app provides a visual representation of your vehicle

Cautions for Exterior CleaningCAUTION: Do not wash in direct sunlight.CAUTION: Do not use windshield treatment fluids.

Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and
cause a chattering sound.
CAUTION: Do not use hot water, detergents, or
highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products,
especially those containing hydroxide.
CAUTION: If using a pressure washer, maintain a
distance of at least 12" (30 cm) between the
nozzle and the surface of Model 3. Avoid aiming
the water jet directly at parking sensors (if
equipped). Keep the nozzle moving and do not
concentrate the water jet on any one area.
CAUTION: Do not aim water hoses directly at
windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic
modules or exposed cabling.
CAUTION: To avoid corrosive damage that may
not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any
road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel
wells, and brakes. After cleaning the vehicle, dry
the brakes by going on a short drive and applying
the brakes multiple times.
CAUTION: Avoid using tight-napped or rough
cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality
microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
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. Some touchless car washes use caustic
solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration
of decorative exterior trim. Avoid exposure to
soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check
the product label or ask the staff at the car wash.
Damage caused by improper washing is not
covered by the warranty.
CAUTION: If washing in an automatic car wash,
make sure the vehicle is locked. In addition, avoid
using controls on the touchscreen that can result
in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the
vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused 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 or pre-wash products. These can damage
the finish on the wheels.
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 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
reflective and could interfere with
your driving view.
Seats
Wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces 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.
Although seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain
performance and an as-new appearance. Promptly treat
dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area
before applying to visible surfaces.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat

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 on
page 20 for more information on opening the hood if
the vehicle does not have power.
2.
Jump start the low voltage battery (see Jump
Starting on page 225).
NOTE: Tow providers: See Running Out of Range on
page 224 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 on page 225).
Instructions for Transporters
223Roadside Assistance