tow TESLA MODEL 3 2023 Owners Manual

1.
Exterior lights (Lights on page 53)
2.
Autopilot camera (About Autopilot on page 77)
3.
Front door handle (Using Exterior Door Handles on page 14)
4.
Key card sensor (Keys on page 10), Autopilot camera (About Autopilot on page 77)
5.
Rear door handle (Using Exterior Door Handles on page 14)
6.
Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 158)
7.
Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 77)
8.
Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 49)
9.
Radar sensor, if equipped (hidden from view) (About Autopilot on page 77)
10.
Hood/front trunk (Front Trunk on page 19)
11.
Tow eye cover (Instructions for Transporters on page 221)
12.
Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 213)
13.
Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 72)
14.
Rear trunk (Rear Trunk on page 17)
Exterior Overview
3Overview

Using Exterior Door Handles
Use your thumb to push the wide part of the door
handle. The handle pivots toward you, and you can open
the door by pulling the handle or pulling the edge of the door.
The handle retracts automatically.
When a door or trunk is open, the
touchscreen displays the Door Open
indicator light.
NOTE: See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 74 to
ensure door handles function properly in cold weather.
WARNING: While using the door handle, take care
to avoid allowing fingers, jewelry, acrylic nails, etc.
from being pinched by the door or door handle
mechanism. Failure to do so may result in damage
or injury.
Opening Doors from the Interior
Model 3 doors are electrically powered. To open a door
while sitting inside, press the button located at the top of the interior door handle and push the door open.
NOTE: To prevent children from opening the rear doors,
turn on child locks (see
Child Locks on page 15).
You can also use the touchscreen popup to open and close doors when inside
Model 3 while the vehicle is in
Park.
To open a front door in the unlikely situation when
Model 3 has no power, pull up the manual door release
located in front of the window switches.
NOTE: Only the front doors are equipped with a manual
door release.
Doors
14MODEL 3 Owner

Interior Emergency Release
An illuminated interior release button inside the front
trunk allows a person locked inside to get out.
Press the interior release button to open the front trunk, then push up on the hood.
NOTE: The interior release button glows following a brief
exposure to ambient light.
WARNING: People should never climb inside the
front trunk. Never shut the front trunk when a
person is inside.
WARNING: Care should be taken to ensure that
objects inside the front trunk do not bump against
the release button, causing the hood to
accidentally open.
Opening Hood with No Power
In the unlikely event that Model 3 has no low voltage
power, you will be unable to open the front trunk using the touchscreen, key fob, or mobile app. To open the front trunk in this situation:
NOTE: The following steps do not open the front trunk if
Model 3 is locked and has low voltage power.
1.
Locate an external low voltage power supply (such as
a portable jump starter).
2.
Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on the
top right perimeter of the cover until it pivots inward, then gently pulling the raised section toward you.
NOTE: Depending on production date, either the
positive or negative terminal may be attached to the tow eye cover.
3.
Pull the two wires out of the tow eye opening to
expose both terminals.
4.
Connect the low voltage power supply

Wearing Seat Belts
Using seat belts and child safety seats is the most
effective way to protect occupants if a collision occurs.
Therefore, wearing a seat belt is required by law in most jurisdictions.
Both the driver and passenger seats are equipped with three-point inertia reel seat belts. Inertia reel belts are automatically tensioned to allow occupants to move
comfortably during normal driving conditions.
To
securely hold child safety seats, all passenger seating
positions are equipped with an automatic locking
retractor (ALR) feature that, by fully extracting the seat
belt (beyond the length needed for a typical adult
occupant), locks the belt into place until the seat belt is
unbuckled.
The seat belt reel automatically locks to prevent
movement of occupants if
Model 3 experiences a force
associated with hard acceleration, braking, cornering, or
an impact in a collision.
Seat Belt Reminders
The seat belt reminder on the touchscreen
alerts you if a seat belt for an occupied driver or passenger seat is unbuckled. If all
occupants are buckled up and the
reminder stays on, re-buckle seat belts to
ensure they are correctly latched. Also
remove any heavy objects (such as a
briefcase) from an unoccupied seat. If the
reminder light continues to stay on,
contact Tesla.
You can temporarily disable a seat belt reminder associated with a rear seating position. This is useful when you are carrying an object in a rear seat that
triggers the seat belt reminder alert. To disable the
reminder, touch the associated seat on the seat belt reminder popup message that displays on the touchscreen when a seat belt reminder is active. When a reminder is disabled, the seat belt reminder icon is replaced by a seat icon, for the current drive only. Touch the seat again to re-enable the reminder.
WARNING: Seat belts must be worn by passengers
in all seating positions. Do not disable a seat belt
reminder when the seating position is occupied by
a passenger.
To Fasten a Belt
1.
Ensure correct positioning of the seat (see Correct
Driving Position on page 25).
2.
Draw the belt out smoothly, ensuring the belt lays flat
across the pelvis, chest and mid-point of your collar
bone, between the neck and shoulder.
3. Insert the latch plate into the buckle and press
together until you hear a click indicating it is locked
in place.4.
Pull the belt to check that it is securely fastened.
5.
Pull the diagonal part of the belt toward the reel to
remove excess slack.
To Adjust the Shoulder Anchor
Height
Model 3 is equipped with an adjustable shoulder anchor
for each front seat to ensure that the seat belt is positioned correctly. The seat belt should lay
flat across
the mid-point of your collar bone while in the correct driving position
(see Correct Driving Position on page
25). Adjust the height of the shoulder anchor if the seat
belt is not positioned correctly:
1.
Press and hold the button on the shoulder anchor to release the locking mechanism.
2.
While holding the button, move the shoulder anchor up or down, as necessary, to correctly position the seat belt.
3.
Release the button on the shoulder anchor so that it
locks into position.
4.
Without pressing the button, pull on the seat belt webbing and attempt to move the shoulder anchor
downward to check that it is locked into position.
Seat Belts
29Seating and Safety Restraints

Controlling Lights
Touch Controls > Lights on the touchscreen to access all
light controls, both interior and exterior.
You can also pull the turn signal stalk toward you to
display a popup that provides quick access to exterior lights. For example, you can turn the headlights on or
off

continuously (overriding the default Auto High Beam
setting). The lights popup allows you to adjust all
exterior light settings, including parking lights, fog lights
(if equipped), etc. The setting you choose is retained for
the current drive only.
NOTE: If the touchscreen is already displaying the full
Controls screen for lights, pulling the turn signal stalk does not display the quick access popup.
In addition to the lights you can control from the touchscreen,
Model 3 has convenience lights that
operate automatically based on what you are doing. For
example, in low ambient lighting conditions, the interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, and puddle lights turn on when you unlock
Model 3, when you open a door, and
when you shift into Park. They turn
off after a minute or
two, when you shift or lock
Model 3. Use these settings
to control your vehicle

High Beam Headlights
By default, Auto High Beam is enabled to allow high
beam headlights to automatically switch to low beam when there is light detected in front of
Model 3 (for
example, from an oncoming vehicle). To control this
feature, touch
Controls > Lights > Auto High Beam or
touch
Auto on the lights popup that displays on the
touchscreen when you pull the turn signal stalk toward
you.
NOTE: Auto High Beam is automatically enabled when
Autosteer is engaged. To switch to low beam headlights, push the turn signal stalk forward and release.
Auto High
Beam is re-enabled every time Autosteer is activated.
In situations where high beam headlights are off (for
example, lights are turned
off, or Auto High Beam is
active and light is detected in front of
Model 3) or you
are driving in daylight, you can temporarily turn on high
beams by pulling the turn signal stalk toward you. When
you release, high beam headlights turn
off (unless of
course, Auto High Beam is engaged and light is not detected in front of you). To
briefly flash the high beam
headlights, pull the turn signal stalk towards you and immediately release.
NOTE: Your chosen setting is retained until you manually
change it.
The following indicator lights are visible on the touchscreen to show the status of the headlights:
Low beam headlights are on.High beam headlights are on and Auto
High Beam is disabled or currently
unavailable.Auto High Beam is enabled and high
beams are on.
Model 3 is ready to turn off

the high beams if light is detected.
Auto High Beam is enabled but high beams
are not on because light is detected in front of
Model 3. When light is no longer
detected, high beams automatically turn
back on.
WARNING: Auto High Beam is an aid only and is
subject to limitations. It is the driver

Braking SystemsWARNING: Properly functioning braking systems
are critical to ensure safety. If you experience a
problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, 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 briefly flashes amber 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. Drive cautiously and avoid heavy braking.
If the touchscreen displays this red brake
indicator at any time other than
briefly

when you first start Model 3, a brake
system fault is detected, or the level of the
brake
fluid is low. Contact Tesla
immediately. Apply steady pressure and
keep the brakes
firm to bring the vehicle to
a stop when safe to do so.
The touchscreen displays this amber brake
indicator if a brake booster fault is detected. Apply steady pressure and keep the brakes
firm to stop the vehicle when
safety permits. Hydraulic Boost
Compensation will be active (see
Hydraulic
Boost Compensation on page 61).
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 be aware 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).
CAUTION: Automatic Emergency Braking (see
Automatic Emergency Braking on page 112) may
intervene to automatically brake in situations
where a collision is considered imminent.
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.
CAUTION: In emergency situations, if the brakes
are not functioning properly, press and hold the
Park button on the drive stalk to bring the vehicle
to a stop. Do not use this method to stop the
vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
Dynamic Brake Lights (if equipped)
If you are driving over 30 mph (50 km/h) and brake
forcefully
(or if Automatic Emergency Braking engages),
the brake lights
flash quickly to warn other drivers that
Model 3 is rapidly slowing down. If Model 3 stops
completely, the hazard warning lights
flash. Flashing
continues until you press the accelerator or manually press the hazard lights button to turn them
off (see
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 55).
NOTE: Dynamic brake lights will not flash while Track
Mode is enabled (see
Track Mode on page 69).
NOTE: When towing a trailer (if applicable), the brake
lights on the trailer also operate as described above,
even when the trailer is not equipped with a separate
braking system.
WARNING: When towing a trailer (if applicable),
always increase your following distance. Sudden
braking may result in skidding, jack-knifing, and
loss of control.
Brake Disc Wiping
To ensure brakes remain responsive in cold and wet
weather,
Model 3 is equipped with brake disc wiping.
When cold and wet weather is detected, this feature repeatedly applies an imperceptible amount of brake
force to remove water from the surface of the brake discs.
Braking and Stopping
60MODEL 3 Owner

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.
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.
Maintenance Service Intervals
170MODEL 3 Owner

7.
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 lead-acid battery hold
down bracket or A/C cooling lines.
8.
Unplug the vent tube hose from the negative (-)
terminal side of the low voltage battery.
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.Maintenance Service Intervals
173Maintenance

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