tow TESLA MODEL Y 2023 User Guide

WARNING: Always ensure that cargo is secured in
the trailer and will not shift. Dynamic load shifts
can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in
serious injury.
Towing Guidelines
Model Y is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional load on the
motor(s), drive train, brakes, tires, and suspension and
significantly decreases range. If you decide to tow a
trailer, proceed with caution and follow these general
guidelines:

Attaching and Removing the Ball
Mount
The Model Y towing package does not include a ball
mount. You must purchase a ball mount suitable for the type of trailer you are towing. The
Model Y hitch receiver
supports a ball mount with a length of up to
8.5

4. Low Voltage Power (if equipped)5.
Ground
6.
Left Turn Signal and Brake Light
7.
Tail Lamps
Loss of trailer lights when towing may be the result of a
fault in the trailer wiring or excessive power
consumption by the lights connected to the trailer output(s). When this occurs, a red Trailer Mode icon
appears on the touchscreen. Fix any issues with the wiring and/or reduce the number of lights connected to the trailer output(s), then toggle Trailer Mode
off and on
again.
NOTE: Vehicles with a lead-acid low voltage battery
have auxiliary power. Vehicles with low voltage lithium-
ion batteries do not have auxiliary power at this time.
You can determine which battery your vehicle is
equipped with by touching
Controls > Software >
Additional Vehicle Information.
CAUTION: Always ensure that the trailer electrical
cable does not contact or drag on the ground and
there is enough slack in the cable to allow for
turns.
WARNING: Use only the electrical connections
designed by Tesla. Do not attempt to directly
splice or attempt to connect a trailer

4. Power off the vehicle by navigating to Controls >
Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen.
5.
Disconnect the first responder loop by sliding the red
locking tab toward you and pressing the black tab.
6.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut that secures the
negative (-) terminal clamp to the negative (-) post on the lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the negative (-) post.
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 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 lead-acid battery hold down bracket or
A/C cooling lines.
8.
Unplug the vent tube hose from the negative (-)
terminal side of the lead-acid battery.
9.
Loosen the nut on the battery hold down on the top of the lead-acid battery with a 10mm socket. To
release the battery hold down, unhook and slide the
strap back. If needed, tilt the battery hold down
backward so it does not slip into the vehicle.
10.
Using the battery handle, carefully remove the lead- acid battery, taking care not to touch or damage the surrounding components.
Maintenance Service Intervals
180MODEL Y Owner

WARNING: When lifting out 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 lead-acid battery to ensure it has a
red plug in the casing on the positive (+) terminal
side. If the new lead-acid battery does not have a red plug, use a small trim tool to transfer the red plug
from the old battery to the new one.
CAUTION: Dispose of the old lead-acid battery
according to local laws, such as dropping it off

at a battery recycling facility. Keep the lead-
acid battery upright and place it on a towel or
piece of cardboard when transporting it.
Installation:
1. Carefully maneuver the new lead-acid battery into
place, taking care not to touch or damage nearby
components.2.
Install the lead-acid battery hold down and use a 10mm socket to tighten the nut that secures it to the 12V battery. Torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
3.
Reconnect the first responder loop.
4.
Remove the protective caps from the positive (+) and negative (-) posts on the new low voltage lead-acid battery.
5.
Connect the positive (+) terminal by positioning the
clamp over the positive (+) post. Using a 10mm socket, torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
Maintenance Service Intervals
181Maintenance

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 Y. 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 Y. 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 Y 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 Y 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

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 Y. Windshield washer fluid can
irritate eyes and skin. Read and observe the
washer fluid manufacturer

d. Remove the HEPA filter assembly from the vehicle
by tilting the rear edge of the
filter assembly up
past the brake
fluid reservoir. Lift the filter
assembly out of the vehicle, taking care not to
bump into or damage other components.
4.
Power off the vehicle by navigating to Controls >
Safety > Power Off on the touchscreen.
5.
Disconnect the first responder loop by sliding the red
locking tab toward you and pressing the black tab.
6.
With a 10mm socket, loosen the nut that secures the
negative (-) terminal clamp to the negative (-) post on the lead-acid battery. Release the terminal clamp from the negative (-) post.
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 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 lead-acid battery hold down bracket or
A/C cooling lines.
8.
Unplug the vent tube hose from the negative (-)
terminal side of the lead-acid battery.
Parts and Accessories
200MODEL Y Owner

9.
Loosen the nut on the battery hold down on the top of the lead-acid battery with a 10mm socket. To
release the battery hold down, unhook and slide the
strap back. If needed, tilt the battery hold down
backward so it does not slip into the vehicle.
10.
Using the battery handle, carefully remove the lead- acid battery, taking care not to touch or damage the surrounding components.
WARNING: When lifting out 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 lead-acid battery to ensure it has a
red plug in the casing on the positive (+) terminal
side. If the new lead-acid battery does not have a red plug, use a small trim tool to transfer the red plug
from the old battery to the new one.
CAUTION: Dispose of the old lead-acid battery
according to local laws, such as dropping it off

at a battery recycling facility. Keep the lead-
acid battery upright and place it on a towel or
piece of cardboard when transporting it.
Installation:
1.
Carefully maneuver the new lead-acid battery into
place, taking care not to touch or damage nearby
components.
2.
Install the lead-acid battery hold down and use a 10mm socket to tighten the nut that secures it to the 12V battery. Torque the nut to 6 Nm (4.4 ft-lb).
Parts and Accessories
201Maintenance

8. Load range: Shown as Standard Load (SL) or Extra Load (XL), the load range determines how much weight your
tires can support at a
specified tire pressure. When replacing tires, only use tires of the same load range. If towing
with snow tires, ensure they are the same load range of the tires your vehicle came equipped with.
9.
Tire composition and materials: The number of plies in both the tread area and the sidewall area indicates how
many layers of rubber coated material make up the structure of the tire. Information is also provided on the type
of materials used.
10.
Maximum tire load: The maximum load which can be carried by the tire.
11.
Maximum permissible inflation pressure: This pressure should not be used for normal driving.
12.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN): Begins with the letters DOT and indicates that the tire meets all federal
standards. The next 2 digits/letters represent the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last 4 digits represent the week and year of manufacture. For example, the number 1712 is used to represent the 17th week of 2012. The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer