warning light TESLA MODEL 3 2020 s User Guide

Note: The parking brake operates on the rear
wheels only, and is independent of the pedal-
operated brake system.
Warning: In snowy or icy conditions the
rear wheels may not have sufficient
traction to prevent Model 3 from sliding
down a slope, particularly if not using winter tires. Avoid parking on hills in
snowy or icy conditions. You are always responsible for parking safely.Warning: Your Model 3 may display an
alert if the road is too steep to safely park
on, or if the parking brakes are not
properly engaged. These alerts are for
guidance purposes only and are not a
substitute for the driver’s judgment of safe parking conditions, including specific
road or weather conditions. Do not
depend on these alerts to determine
whether or not it is safe to park at any location. You are always responsible for
parking safely.When you use the touchscreen to
manually apply the parking brake,
the red parking brake indicator lights
up on the touchscreen.If the parking brake experiences an
electrical issue, the amber parking brake indicator lights up and a fault
message displays at the top of the
touchscreen.Caution: In the unlikely event that Model 3
loses electrical power, you cannot access
the touchscreen and are therefore unable to release the parking brake without first
jump starting Model 3 (see Instructions
for Transporters on page 199).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.
Brakes must be periodically inspected visually by removing the tire and wheel. For detailed
specifications and service limits for rotors and
brake pads, see Subsystems on page 188.
Additionally, Tesla recommends cleaning and
lubricating the brake calipers every year or
12,500 miles (20,000 km) if in an area where
roads are salted during winter months.Warning: Neglecting to replace worn
brake pads damages the braking system
and can result in a braking hazard.
Braking and Stopping
68Model 3 Owner

performing the procedure, and do not
attempt to use tools or excessive force.
Note: Preemptively applying WD-40 to the
door handle pivot pins can help prevent ice buildup inside your door handle. See Applying
WD-40 to Door Handle Pivot Pins for
instructions.
Perform the following to remove ice from the door handle:
1. Forcefully press the rear-most part of the
door handle to initially try to open the
door handle and release light or moderate ice buildup.
2. Working in a circular pattern around the
perimeter of the door handle, use the
bottom of your fist to forcefully bump the
door handle to break and release the ice
buildup.
3. Aiming for the rearmost end of the wide
part of the door handle, use the bottom of
your fist to forcefully bump the door
handle. Increase the intensity of the
bumps as necessary, repeating steps 1 and
2 until the ice is removed and the door
handle can be opened.
Caution: Never bump the vehicle so
hard as to cause a dent; the force
used should be similar to knocking on
your neighbor’s front door.
4. Once the door handle is able to move,
open and close it a few more times to
release any remaining ice buildup. Make
sure the door handle is fully pressed in
(retracted) prior to entering the vehicle,
and check that the door is fully closed
before driving away.
Applying WD-40 to Door Handle
Pivot Pins
In severe winter conditions, applying WD-40
to door handle pivot pins can help prevent ice
buildup that might immobilize the handle.
Consider applying WD-40 to the door handle pivot pins if you are expecting freezing rain,heavy snow, or icy conditions. Reapply as
needed.Caution: Read and observe the
instructions and warnings provided by
WD-40 prior to performing this
procedure.
To apply WD-40 to the door handle pivot pin:
1. Open the door handle and prop it open
using a folded towel or other soft material.
2. Attach the provided straw to the nozzle of
the WD-40 bottle.
3. Put on eye protection.
4. Place the end of the straw next to the
pivot pin and spray it for approximately
one second, taking care not to
accidentally spray other components.
Note: Rest the end of the straw on the top
of the spring around the pivot pin to
better aim the spray.
Warning: Make sure eye protection is
worn when performing this step.
5. Remove the towel or other soft material
used to prop the door handle open.
6. Pivot the door handle in and out
approximately ten times.
7. For a second time, place the end of the
straw next to the pivot pin and spray it for
approximately one second, taking care not
to accidentally spray other components.
Note: Rest the end of the straw on the top
of the spring around the pivot pin to better aim the spray.
Cold Weather Best Practices
82Model 3 Owner

Warning: Keep your hands on the steering
wheel at all times. If the vehicle senses your hands are not on the steering wheel,Model 3 sounds a chime and the hazard
warning lights

wall outlet instead of using energy stored in
the Battery. For example, if you are sitting in
Model 3 and using the touchscreen while
parked and plugged in, Model 3 draws energy
from the wall outlet instead of the Battery.Caution: The connector end of the charge
cable can damage the paint if dropped
onto the vehicle.
During Charging
During charging, the charge port light (the Tesla "T" logo) pulses green, and thetouchscreen displays the charging status. The
frequency at which the charge port light
pulses slows down as the charge level
approaches full. When charging is complete,
the light stops pulsing and is solid green.
Note: If Model 3 is locked, the charge port
light does not light up.
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, the charge cable latch remains locked and Model 3 must be unlockedor able to recognize your authenticated phone
before you can disconnect the charge cable.
However, in cold ambient temperatures below
41

4.Pull the charge cable from the charge
port.Caution: The release cable is designed for
use only in situations where the charge
cable cannot be released from the charge
port using the usual methods. Continuous
use may result in damage to the release
cable or charging equipment.Warning: Do not perform this procedure
while 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 have any uncertainty as to
how to safely perform this procedure,
contact your closest Service Center.Warning: Do not attempt to remove the
charge cable while simultaneously pulling the release cable. Always pull the release
cable before attempting to remove the
charge cable from the charge port.
Failure to follow these instructions can
result in electric shock and serious injury.
Charge Port Light

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.Seasonal Tire Types
Summer Tires
Your vehicle may be originally equipped with high performance summer tires or all season
tires. Tesla recommends using winter tires if
driving in cold temperatures or on roads
where snow or ice may be present. Contact
Tesla for winter tire recommendations.Warning: In cold temperatures or on snow
or ice, summer tires do not provide
adequate traction. Selecting and installing the appropriate tires for winter conditions
is important to ensure the safety and
optimum performance of your Model 3.
All-Season Tires
Your Model 3 may be originally equipped with all-season tires. These tires are designed to
provide adequate traction in most conditions
year-round, but may not provide the same level of traction as winter tires in snowy or icy
conditions. All-season tires can be identified
by “ALL SEASON" and/or "M+S” (mud and
snow) on the tire sidewall.
Winter Tires
Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy
or icy conditions. When installing winter tires,
always install a complete set of four tires at
the same time. Winter tires must be the same
diameter, brand, construction and tread
pattern on all four wheels. Contact Tesla for
winter tire recommendations.
Winter tires can be identified by a
mountain/snow

Index
A ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) 65
absolute speed limit 114
access panel, removing 176
accessoriesplugging into power socket 26
adjacent lane speed 108
aero covers 167
air circulation 126
air conditioning 125
air distribution 126
air filter 128
air vents 127
airbags 41
alarm 143
all-season tires 170
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy
133
ambient lights 58
anti-lock braking (ABS) 65
application launcher 4
audioequalizer 138
immersive sound 138
playing files 136
steering wheel scroll button 50
volume control 136
auto fold
52
Auto High Beam 59
Auto Lane Change 95
auto tilt 52
AUTO wipers 64
automatic emergency braking 112
automatic navigation 130
Autopark 100
autopilotblind spot collision warning 108
side collision warning 108
staying inside lane markings 108AutopilotAuto Lane Change 95
automatic emergency braking 111
Autopark 100
Autosteer 93
collision avoidance assist 111
forward collision warning 111
Navigate on Autopilot 96
overtake acceleration 87
overview 84
speed assist 114
speed limit warning 114
staying within speed limits 114
Summon 102
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 87
Autopilot components 84
Autosteer 93
average range 74
B
backup camera 75battery (12V)complete discharge 155
specifications 189Battery (high voltage)care of 155
coolant 176
specifications 189
temperature limits 155
battery (key), replacing 12
blind spot collision warning 108
blind spot collision warning chime 108
Bluetoothdevices, playing audio files from 138
general information 139
phone, pairing and using 139
body repairs 181
body touch up 173
brakesautomatic in emergencies 112

slip start 69
Smart Summon 105smartphoneauthenticating as a key 9
removing as a key 12
software reset 124
software update preferences 151
software updates 151
software version 8
specifications12V battery 189
brakes 188
cargo volume 187
dimensions 186
exterior 186
High Voltage Battery 189
interior 186
motor 188
steering 188
subsystems 188
suspension 189
tires 191
transmission 188
weights 187
wheels 190
speed assist 114
Speed Limit Mode 124
speed limit warning 114
stability control 69
starting 54
steering specifications 188
steering wheeladjusting position 50
adjusting sensitivity 50
buttons 50
lights, controlling 58
scroll buttons 50
steering, automatic 93
streaming radio 136
streaming services 136
summer tires 170
Summon 102
Summon Distance 102
superchargingdescribed 161
idle fees 161
pay-per-use fees 161
suspension specifications 189
T telematics 206
temperatureBattery (high voltage), limits 155
cabin, controls for 125
outside 61
tires 194
Teslacam 76
tie-down straps
200
tilt/intrusion detection 143
Tire and Loading Information label 184
tire noise 171Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemoverview of 168
tire pressures, checking 164
tiresall-season 170
balancing 165
chains 171
inspecting and maintaining 165
pressures, how to check 164
quality grading 194
replacing 166
replacing a tire sensor 169
rotation 165
specification 191
summer 170
temperature grades 194
tire markings 192
traction grade 194
treadwear grade 194
wheel configuration 164
winter 170
toll system transponders, attaching 179
torque specifications 188
touch up body 173
touchscreencleaning 173
overview 4
restarting 50
software updates 151
towing a trailer 185
towing instructions 199
TPMSoverview of 168
Track Mode 73
Tracking Disabled 130
traction control 69
trademarks 204
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 87
trailer hitches 185
transmission specifications 188
transponders, attaching 179
Transport Canada, contacting 208
Transport Mode 200
transporting 199
trip chart 74
Trip Planner 134
trunk, front 21
trunk, rear 19
turn signals 60
U
ultrasonic sensors 84
uniform tire quality grading 194
Index
Index217