DOCUMENT APPLICABILITY
Features released in the most recent versions of software may not be described in this document but are
described in Release Notes. Display Release Notes on the touchscreen by touching the Tesla “T” at the top
center of the touchscreen, then touching the Release Notes link. If information provided in this document
conflicts with information in the Release Notes, the Release Notes take precedence.
ILLUSTRATIONS
The
illustrations provided in this document are for demonst
ration purposes only. Depending on vehicle
op
tions, software version
and market region, the information displayed on the touchscreen in your
vehicle
may appear slightly different.
P ROD
UCT SPECIFICATIONS
All specifications
and descriptions
contained in
this
docum ent
ar
e veri fied
to be
accurate at
the time of
p
rinting. However,
because continuous
improvement is
a goal at Tesla, we reserve the right to make
product modifications at any
time. To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions in this document,
please send an email to: [email protected].
©2012-2018 TESLA, INC.
All information in this document and all vehicle software is subject to copyright an
d other intellectual
prop
erty rights of Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be modified, reproduced or copied, in
whole or in part, without the prior written
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in the United States and other countries: TESLA
TESLA MOTORS MODEL S MODEL X
ROADSTER MODEL 3
The Model 3 Owner's Manual is ava
ilable on the touchscreen.
To view it, touch Controls > Service > Owner's Manual or
access it after touching the Tesla "T".
More information about your Model 3 and the latest version of this document is available at www.tesla.com/teslaaccount.
To contact Tesla, call 1-877-79TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
Electronic stability control systems are
actively minimizing wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor
power (indicator
flashes). See Traction
Control on page 51. If this indicator
stays illuminated, a fault is detected
(contact Tesla immediately).
Electronic stability control systems are
no longer minimizing wheel spin. See
Traction Control on page 51.Vehicle Hold is actively applying the
brakes. See Vehicle Hold on page
54.A door or trunk is open. See Doors on
page 9, Rear Trunk on page 12, or
Front Trunk on page 14.Flashes green when the left turn
signal is operating. Both turn signal
indicators
flash green when the
hazard warning flashers are operating.
Flashes green when the right turn
signal is operating. Both turn signal
indicators
flash green when the
hazard warning flashers are operating.
Driving Status
When Model 3 is driving (or ready to drive),
the touchscreen shows your current driving
status and a real-time visualization of the road
as detected by the Autopilot components (see About Autopilot on page 58).
Note: The following illustration is provided for
demonstration purposes only. Depending on vehicle options, software version, and market
region, the information displayed may be
slightly
different.
1. Driving speed.
2. On the energy bar, black (or white in night
brightness) represents energy being used
during acceleration and green indicates
energy being gained through regenerative
braking. A dashed line appears on the
energy bar when power available for
acceleration or power that can be gained
by regenerative braking is being limited. Model 3 limits power for many reasons.
Here are just a few examples:
How It WorksThe traction control system constantly
monitors the speed of the front and rear
wheels. If Model 3 experiences a loss of
traction, the system minimizes wheel spin by
controlling brake pressure and motor power.
By default, the traction control system is on.
Under normal conditions, it should remain on
to ensure maximum safety.This indicator flashes on the
touchscreen whenever the traction
control system is actively controlling
brake pressure and motor power to
minimize wheel spin. If the indicator
stays on, a fault is detected with the
traction control system. Contact
Tesla Service.Warning: If the above indicator remains
illuminated in situations in which you have
not enabled Slip Start (described next), the traction control system may not be
operating correctly. Contact Tesla Service immediately.Warning: Traction control cannot prevent
collisions caused by driving dangerously
or turning too sharply at high speeds.
Allowing Wheel Slip
To allow the wheels to spin at a limited speed,
you can enable Slip Start. Slip Start can be
enabled at any speed, however it is less
effective at higher speeds.
Under normal conditions, Slip Start should not
be enabled. Enable it only in circumstances where you deliberately want the wheels tospin, such as:
Warning: Forward Collision Warning may
provide a warning in situations where the
likelihood of collision may not exist. Stay
alert and always pay attention to the area
in front of Model 3 so you can anticipate whether any action is required.Warning: Forward Collision Warning
operates only when driving between
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) and 90
mph (150 km/h).Warning: Forward Collision Warning does
not provide a warning when the driver is
already applying the brake.
Automatic Emergency Braking
The forward looking camera(s) and the radar
sensor are designed to determine the distance
from an object (vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or
pedestrian) traveling in front of Model 3.
When a frontal collision is considered
unavoidable, Automatic Emergency Braking is
designed to apply the brakes to reduce the
severity of the impact.
When Automatic Emergency Braking applies
the brakes, the touchscreen displays a visual
warning and sounds a chime. You may also
notice abrupt downward movement of the
brake pedal. The brake lights turn on to alert
other road users that you are slowing down.
If driving 29 mph (46 km/h) or faster, the
brakes are released after Automatic
Emergency Braking has reduced your driving
speed by 25 mph (40 km/h). For example, if
Automatic Emergency Braking applies braking
when driving 56 mph (90 km/h), it releases
the brakes when your speed has been reduced to 31 mph (50 km/h).
Automatic Emergency Braking operates only
when driving between approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) and 90 mph (150 km/h).
Automatic Emergency Braking does not apply the brakes, or stops applying the brakes,when:
DrivingAcceleration: Adjust the amount of acceleration. Chill limits acceleration for
a slightly smoother and gentler ride, whereas Standard provides the normal
level of acceleration.
Note: When Chill is selected, Chill displays on the touchscreen above the
driving speed.
Steering Mode : Adjust the amount of
effort required to turn the steering
wheel. Sport feels more responsive whereas Comfort feels easier to drive
and park (see Adjusting Steering
Effort on page 36).
Regenerative Braking : When you release the accelerator when driving,
regenerative braking slows Model 3 and feeds any surplus energy back to
the Battery. If set to LOW, Model 3 does not slow down as quickly, but also
feeds less energy back to the Battery (see Regenerative Braking on page
49).
Note: Regardless of the setting selected, the energy gained by regenerative
braking is reduced if the Battery is full, or is extremely cold or hot (in which
case, surplus energy is used to heat or cool it).
Traction Control : Turn slip start on to allow wheels to spin (see Traction
Control on page 51).
Creep : When on, Model 3 applies forward torque in Drive and backwards
torque in Reverse when you release the brake pedal (similar to a conventional vehicle with an automatic transmission). The torque moves the
vehicle slowly on
flat roads, but may require you to press the accelerator
pedal in some situations (for example, when on a steep hill or driveway).
When
off, Model 3 is free rolling when you let your foot off the brake pedal
and the motor does not apply torque until the accelerator pedal is pressed.
You can adjust this setting only when Model 3 is in Park.
Warning: Never rely on Creep to apply enough torque to prevent your
vehicle from rolling down a hill. Always apply brakes to remain stopped
or the accelerator to proceed up the hill. Failure can result in property
damage and/or a collision.
Controls and Settings
Using the Touchscreen83
ServiceWiper Service Mode: Make wiper blades easy to access (see Wiper Blades
and Washer Jets on page 122).
Adjust Headlights : Make adjustments to the level of the headlights to
accommodate a load you are carrying (see Headlight Adjustments on page
46).Caution: Headlights should only be adjusted by Tesla Service.
Towing: Prepare Model 3 for towing by keeping it in Neutral (which
disengages the parking brake and prevents damage to the rear motor that is
caused by wheels turning as Model 3 is pulled onto a
flatbed truck). See
Instructions for Transporters on page 146.
Owner
High Voltage Components
1.Air Conditioning Compressor
2. Cabin Heater
3. High Voltage Battery
4. High Voltage Battery Service Panel
5. Rear Motor
6. High Voltage Cabling
7. Charge Port
Warning:
The high voltage system has no user serviceable parts. Do not disassemble, remove
or replace high voltage components, cables or connectors. High voltage cables are typically colored orange for easy
identification.
Warning: Read and follow all instructions provided on the labels that are attached to Model 3.
These labels are there for your safety.Warning: In the unlikely event that a fire occurs, immediately contact your local fireemergency responders.
Electric Vehicle Components
Charging105
When Transporting Model 3Always transport Model 3 with all four tires
offthe ground. A flatbed truck or comparable
transport vehicle is recommended. A wheel lift
and dolly can be used only when transporting
Model 3 for a maximum of 15 miles (25 km),
provided the driving speed does not exceed
45 mph (70 km/h). When transporting,
whether on a
flatbed truck or using a wheel
lift and dolly, Model 3 can face either direction.
Do not transport Model 3 using any other
method unless
specified by Tesla. Follow the
steps provided and observe all warnings and
cautions. Damage caused by transporting your
vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Note: The following illustrations are for
demonstration purposes only.
Never tow Model 3 with the tires contacting
the ground, even for short distances. Doing so
can cause
significant damage. In addition,
before pulling Model 3 onto a flatbed truck,
you must use the touchscreen to enable
Transport Mode. Transport Mode keeps Model
3 in Neutral, allowing the tires to turn freely.
Transport Mode also prevents damage that
would be caused when the tires turn as you
pull Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck. Do not
attempt to use Transport Mode to tow Model 3
with the tires on the ground. Transport Mode can prevent damage only when used for a
limited time and speed, and for a very short
distance, such as when you pull Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck. If you are unable to activate
Transport Mode, you must use self-loading dollies or tire skates to prevent the tires from
turning as you pull Model 3 onto a
flatbedtruck.
Warning: TOWING MODEL 3 WITH THE
TIRES CONTACTING THE GROUND CAN
CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO THE REAR MOTOR.Warning: To prevent damage and
overheating of the rear motor when
rolling or winching Model 3 onto a
flatbedtruck, you must either enable Transport
Mode or use self-loading dollies or tire
skates. Do not allow the tires to turn
without Transport Mode enabled.
Note: Tesla is not responsible for any damage
caused by transporting Model 3, including personal or property damage caused by using
self-loading dollies or tire skates.
Warning: Model 3 is equipped with high
voltage components (see High Voltage
Components on page 105). Before
transporting Model 3 as a result of an
event (such as a collision) that may have
compromised a high voltage component, it is important to assume that these
components are energized. Always follow
high voltage safety precautions (wearing
personal protective equipment, etc.) until
emergency response professionals have
evaluated the vehicle and can accurately
confirm that all high voltage systems are
no longer energized. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury or death.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps Model 3 in Neutral
(which disengages the parking brake) while
preventing damage to the rear motor as the wheels turn when pulling Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck. The following are required to
enable Transport Mode: