warning TESLA MODEL 3 2023 Repair Manual

Floor Mats
To extend the life of your carpet and make them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla
floor mats (see Parts and
Accessories on page 190). 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

Topping Up Windshield Washer
Fluid
The only reservoir into which you can add fluid is the
windshield washer
fluid reservoir, which is located
behind the front trunk. When the level is low, a message
displays on the
touchscreen.
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.
While avoiding spilling, fill the reservoir until the fluid

level is visible just below the filler neck. The reservoir
has a capacity of 3.2 liters.
5.
Wipe up any spills immediately and wash the
affected area with water.
6.
Reinstall the filler cap.
CAUTION: Use only windshield washer fluid meant
for automotive vehicles. Using other substances,
such as untreated water, can result in bacterial
growth within the climate control system resulting
in odor or potential damage that is not covered by
warranty.
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: Do not add formulated washer fluids

that contain water repellent or bug wash. These
fluids can cause streaking, smearing, and
squeaking or other noises.
WARNING: In temperatures below 40

3. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough to access the wiper blade.CAUTION: Wiper blades do not lock into a lifted
position. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its
intended position.
4.
Place a towel between the wiper arm and windshield to avoid scratching or cracking the windshield.
5.
Hold the wiper arm and press the locking tab while sliding the blade down the arm.
6.
Align the new wiper blade on the wiper arm and slide
it toward the end of the wiper arm until it locks into place.
7.
Turn Wiper Service Mode off to return the wipers to
their normal position.
Cleaning Washer Jets
If a windshield washer becomes blocked, use a thin
strand of wire to clear any blockages from the nozzles.
WARNING: Do not operate the washers while
cleaning Model 3. Windshield washer fluid can
irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the
washer fluid manufacturer

Jacking Procedure
Follow 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.
3.
Adjust the height and position of the lift arm pads to ensure that they are correctly located.
4.
With assistance, raise the lift to the desired height, ensuring the lift arm pads remain in their correct positions.
5.
Engage any lift safety locks. Follow the lift
manufacturer

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.
NOTE: Some accessories may not be available in your
market region.
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 WheelsWheelsLocationWidth (in)Offset (mm)20"Front/Rear8.540Tires (front/
rear)SizeTire PressureMichelin, Pilot
Sport 4S (PS4S)235/35ZR2042 PSI (290 kPa)**Increase the tire pressure to 44 PSI (300 kPa) prior to driving 136 mph (220 kph) or faster.GAWRFront2407 lbs1,092 kgRear2,767 lbs1,255 kg
Parts and Accessories
190MODEL 3 Owner

7.
Power off the vehicle by navigating to Controls >
Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen.
8.
Disconnect the low voltage cable from penthouse:
a.
In the rear passenger seat, remove the foam cover and set it aside. The foam covers the low voltage
cable.
b.
Release and pull down the gray lever-arm on the
side of the low voltage connector.
c.
Pull the connector upward to disconnect it from the penthouse.
WARNING: The area under the seat cushion
houses the high voltage Battery. DO NOT
TOUCH OR PLACE ITEMS ON THE METAL
HOUSING! Doing so can cause serious damage
or injury.
9.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut that secures the
negative (-) terminal clamp to the negative (-) post on the low voltage lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the negative (-) post.
10.
With a 10mm socket, release the terminal cover and loosen the nut that secures the positive (+) terminal
clamp to the positive (+) post on the low voltage
lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the positive (+) post and cover the terminal clamp with a dry rag.
CAUTION: Do not allow the positive (+)
terminal clamp to contact nearby components
like the low voltage battery hold down bracket
or A/C cooling lines.Parts and Accessories
195Maintenance

11.
Unplug the vent tube hose from the negative (-)
terminal side of the low voltage lead-acid battery.
12.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut and release the
battery hold down from the top of the low voltage
lead-acid battery by unhooking and sliding it back, taking care to ensure it does not slip into the vehicle.
13.
Using the battery handle, carefully remove the low
voltage lead-acid battery, taking care not to touch or damage the surrounding components.
WARNING: When lifting the low voltage lead-
acid battery, stand in front of the vehicle and
use proper lifting technique. The low voltage
battery weighs approximately 25 lb (12 kg).
Failure to do so may cause serious injury.
14.
Inspect the new low voltage lead-acid battery to
ensure it is equipped a red plug on the positive (+) terminal side. If the new low voltage battery does not have a red plug, use a small trim tool transfer the red plug from the old battery to the new one.
CAUTION: Dispose of the old low voltage lead-
acid battery according to local laws, such as
dropping it off at a battery recycling facility.
Keep the low voltage battery upright and place
it on a towel or piece of cardboard when
transporting it.
Installation:
1.
Remove the protective caps from the positive (+) and negative (-) posts on new low voltage lead-acid
battery.
2.
Carefully maneuver the new low voltage battery into place, taking care not to touch or damage nearby
components.
Parts and Accessories
196MODEL 3 Owner

3. Install the low voltage battery hold down and use a 10mm socket to tighten the bolt that secures it to the low voltage lead-acid battery. Torque the bolt to 6
Nm (4.4 ft-lb).4.
In the rear passenger seat, connect the penthouse cable to the connector:
a.
Ensure the gray lever-arm is down, then install the
connector.
b.
Secure the connector by gently tugging the gray
lever-arm upward until it clicks into place.
c.
Replace the foam cover on top of the penthouse cable.
WARNING: The area under the seat cushion
houses the high voltage Battery. DO NOT
TOUCH OR PLACE ITEMS ON THE METAL
HOUSING! Doing so can cause serious damage
or injury.
5.
Connect the positive (+) terminal by positioning the
terminal clamp over the terminal post. Using a 10mm socket, torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb). Install the
positive (+) terminal cover.
6.
Connect the negative (-) terminal by positioning the terminal clamp over the connector. Using a 10mm socket, torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
7.
Connect the vent tube hose into the negative (-) terminal side of the low voltage lead-acid battery.
Parts and Accessories
197Maintenance

9. With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut and release the
battery hold down from the top of the low voltage
lead-acid battery by unhooking and slipping it back. If needed, tilt the battery hold down backward so it does not slip into the vehicle.10.
Carefully remove the low voltage lead-acid battery,
taking care not to damage the surrounding components.
WARNING: When lifting the lead-acid battery,
stand in front of the vehicle and use proper
lifting technique. The lead-acid battery weighs
approximately 25 lb (12 kg). Failure to do so
may cause serious injury.
11.
Inspect the new low voltage lead-acid battery to make sure it is equipped with a red plug on the
positive (+) terminal side. If the new lead-acid battery does not have a red plug, transfer the red plug from
the old battery to the new one.
CAUTION: Dispose of the old low voltage lead-
acid battery according to local laws, such as
dropping it off at a battery recycling facility.
Keep the battery upright and place it on a towel
or piece of cardboard when transporting it.
Installation:
1.
Remove the protective caps from the positive (+) and negative (-) posts on the new low voltage lead-acid battery.
2.
Carefully place the new lead-acid battery in the vehicle, taking care not to damage nearby
components.
3.
Install the low voltage lead-acid battery hold down
and use a 10mm socket to tighten the nut that secures it to the battery. Torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4
ft-lb).
4.
Reconnect the first responder loop.
Parts and Accessories
200MODEL 3 Owner

Mexico:
CAUTION: To prevent damage, never load Model 3
so that it is heavier than GVWR or exceeds the
individual GAWR weights.
Towing a Trailer
WARNING: Do not use Model 3 for towing
purposes. Model 3 does not currently support
towing. Towing can cause damage and increase
the risk of a collision.
CAUTION: Using Model 3 for towing without Tesla-
approved towing components and accessories
may void the warranty.
Roof Racks
Model 3 supports the use of Tesla-approved roof racks
using a Tesla mounting accessory. To install roof racks,
you must use this accessory and you must use only roof
rack systems that have been approved by Tesla
(see
Parts and Accessories on page 190). Failure to do so can
cause
significant damage.
Calculating Load Limits
1.
Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs or
XXX kg” on the “Tire and Loading Information” label.
2.
Determine the combined weight of all occupants that will ride in the vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the occupants from XXX lbs or XXX kg (see Step 1).
4. The resulting figure equals the available cargo load
capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs (635 kg) and there will be
five 150 lb (68 kg)
passengers in the vehicle, the amount of available cargo capacity is 650 lbs (1400