warning TESLA MODEL 3 2018 Service Manual

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:

Regularly inspect the exterior paint for
damage. Treat minor chips and scratches
using a paint touch-up pen (available for
purchase from Tesla). Use the touch-up pen
after washing but before polishing or waxing.
Repair rock chips, fractures or scratches. Body
repairs should be performed only by a Tesla
approved body shop. Contact Tesla for a list of
approved body shops.Caution: Do not use cutting pastes, color
restoration compounds, or polishes
containing harsh abrasives. These can
scour the surface and permanently
damage the paint.Caution: Do not use chrome polish or
other abrasive cleaners.
Using a Car Cover
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the
body when Model 3 is not being used, use a genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be
purchased from Tesla. See Parts and
Accessories on page 127.
Caution: Use only a Tesla-approved car
cover when Model 3 is plugged in. Using a non-Tesla car cover can prevent the
Battery from being adequately cooled
during charging.
Floor Mats
To extend the life of your carpet and make
them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla
floormats (see Parts and Accessories on page 127).
Maintain floor mats by regularly cleaning them
and checking that they are properly attached.
Replace
floor mats if they become excessively
worn.
Warning: To avoid potential interference
with a foot pedal, ensure that the driver

Warning: Do not operate the washers
while cleaning Model 3. Windshield
washer
fluid can irritate eyes and skin.
Read and observe the washer fluidmanufacturer

Removing the Maintenance PanelTo check
fluid levels, remove the maintenance
panel:
1. Open the hood.
2. Pull the maintenance panel upward to
release the clips that hold it in place.
3. If checking the battery coolant, remove
the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it
upwards to release the clips that hold it in
place.
Caution: The maintenance panel protects
the front trunk from water. When re-
attaching, make sure it is fully seated.
Checking Battery Coolant
If the quantity of
fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
touchscreen displays a warning message. Stop
driving Model 3 as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
DO NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO
NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage not covered by the warranty.
Do Not Top Up Battery Coolant
Warning: Battery coolant can be
hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin.
Under no circumstances should you
remove the
filler cap and/or add coolant.
If the touchscreen warns you that the
fluid level is low, contact Tesla
immediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the
Battery, the cooling system uses a specificmixture of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant
(HOAT). Contact Tesla for more specificinformation about the coolant.
Checking Brake FluidWarning: Contact Tesla immediately if
you notice increased movement of the brake pedal or a
significant loss of brakefluid. Driving under these conditions can
result in extended stopping distances or complete brake failure.
The Brake indicator on the
touchscreen alerts you if the
quantity of
fluid in the brake
reservoir drops below the
recommended level. If it displays
while driving, stop as soon as safety
permits by gently applying the
brakes. Do not continue driving.
Contact Tesla immediately.
Topping Up the Brake Fluid
Do not top up your brake
fluid. The following
instructions are provided for information purposes and future reference only:
1. Clean the
filler cap before removing it to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
2. Unscrew the cap and remove it.
3. Top up the reservoir to the MAX mark
using the appropriate brake
fluid.4. Replace the filler cap, ensuring it is fully
secured.
Warning: Only use new fluid from a
sealed air-tight container. Never use
previously used
fluid or fluid from a
previously opened container

Topping Up Washer FluidThe only reservoir into which you can add
fluidis the washer fluid reservoir, which is located
behind the front trunk. When the level is low, a
message displays on the touchscreen.
Caution: Do not add formulated washerfluids that contain water repellent or bug
wash. These fluids can cause streaking,
smearing, and squeaking or other noises.
Operate the washers periodically to check that
the nozzles are clear and properly directed.
See Wipers and Washers on page 48.
To top up the washer
fluid:
1. Open the hood.
2. Clean around the filler cap before opening
it to prevent dirt from entering the reservoir.
3. Open the
filler cap.
4.Fill the reservoir until the fluid level is
visible just below the filler neck.
5. Replace the filler cap.
Note: Some national or local regulations
restrict the use of Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are commonly
used as antifreeze in washer
fluid. Use a
washer fluid with limited VOC content only if it
provides adequate freeze resistance for all climates in which you drive Model 3.
Caution: Under no circumstances do you
need to inspect or top up other fluidreservoirs. Two additional fluid reservoirs
are located next to the washer fluid, but
underneath the maintenance panel. In the
unlikely event that you see a message on the touchscreen that one of these
fluidlevels is low, stop driving Model 3 as soon
as safe to do so, and contact Tesla.
Caution: Do not spill washer fluid on
body panels. Doing so can cause damage.
Wipe up spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.
Warning: In temperatures below
40

Jacking ProcedureFollow the steps below to lift Model 3. Ensure
that any non-Tesla repair facility is aware of
these lifting points.
1. Position Model 3 centrally between the lift
posts.
2. Position the lift arm pads under the
designated body lift points at the
locations shown.Warning: DO NOT position the lift
arm pads under the Battery or side
rails, as shown in red.
3. Adjust the height and position of the lift
arm pads to ensure that they are correctly
located.
4. With assistance, raise the lift, ensuring the
lift arm pads remain in their correct
positions.
Warning: Never raise Model 3 when the
charge cable is connected, even if
charging is not in progress.Warning: Do not work on an incorrectly
supported vehicle. Doing so can cause
serious damage, bodily injury, or death.Caution: DO NOT lift from under the
Battery. Place the lift arm pads under the designated body lift points only. The
locations shown are the only approved lifting points for Model 3. Lifting at anyother points can cause damage. Damage
caused by incorrectly lifting Model 3 is
not covered by the warranty.
Jacking and Lifting
126Model 3 Owner

Parts, Accessories, and
Modifications
Use only genuine Tesla parts and accessories.
Tesla performs rigorous testing on parts to
ensure their suitability, safety, and reliability. Purchase these parts from Tesla, where they
are professionally installed and where you can receive expert advice about
modifications to
Model 3. Accessories are available for
purchase from Tesla stores or online at www.tesla.com/shop.
Tesla is unable to assess parts manufactured
by other distributors and therefore accepts no
responsibility if you use non-Tesla parts on
Model 3.
Warning: Installing non-approved parts
and accessories, or performing non- approved
modifications, can affect the
performance of Model 3 and the safety of
its occupants. Any damage caused by
using or installing non-approved parts, or by performing non-approved
modifications, is not covered by the
warranty.
Warning: Tesla does not accept liability
for death, personal injury or damage that
occurs if you use or install non-approved
accessories or make non-approved
modifications.
Accessory Wheels and Tires
If your Model 3 is
fitted with Tesla accessory
wheels or tires, the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), wheel, tire, and loading information
may be
different from the labels shown on the
vehicle. Refer to the relevant following section
for updated information.
Note: If your vehicle is not
fitted with Tesla
accessory wheels or tires (it is fitted with the
factory original wheels and tires, including
Tesla genuine replacement parts), refer to the
labels attached to the center door pillar for
the most accurate information for your Model 3.
20" Sport Wheels
WheelsLocationWidth (in)O

Load Capacity Labeling
It is important to understand how much weight your Model 3 can safely carry. Thisweight is called the vehicle capacity weight
and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo and any additional equipment added toyour Model 3 since it was manufactured.
Two labels attached to the center door pillar
indicate how much weight Model 3 can safely
carry. Labels are visible when the front door is
open.
Note: If your Model 3 is
fitted with Tesla
accessory wheels or tires, some information
may be
different from the labels on the
vehicle. See Accessory Wheels and Tires on
page 127.
1. Tire and Loading Information Label
2. Vehicle Certification Label
Warning:
Overloading Model 3 has an
adverse effect on braking and handling,
which can compromise your safety or cause damage.Caution: Never load more than 55 lbs
(25 kg) in the front trunk. Doing so can
cause damage.Caution: Never load more than 130 lbs
(60 kg) on the rear load floor (above the
lower trunk compartment) or more than
130 lbs (60 kg) in the lower trunk
compartment. Doing so can cause
damage.Caution: Never store large amounts of
liquid in Model 3. A significant spill can
cause electrical components to
malfunction.Tire and Loading Information Label
The Tire and Loading Information label
provides: