Shifting Gears
When Model 3 is in Park, you must press the
brake to shift to another gear.
Move the lever up or down to change gears.
If you try to shift into a gear that the current
driving speed prohibits, a chime sounds and
the gear does not change.
Reverse
Push the lever all the way up and release. You
can only shift into Reverse when Model 3 is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h).If moving less than 1 mph (1.6 km/h), you must
press the brake.
Neutral
Push the lever up or down to the
first position
and hold it there for more than 1 second to shift into Neutral. Neutral allows Model 3 to
roll freely when you are not pressing the brake
pedal.
If Model 3 is in Park and you use the
touchscreen to release the parking brake
( Controls > Safety & Security ), Model 3 shifts
into Neutral (see Parking Brake on page 50).
Model 3 automatically shifts into Park when
you exit. To leave Model 3 in Neutral, use the touchscreen to engage Transport Mode (see
Instructions for Transporters on page 146).
Drive
Push the lever all the way down and release.
You can shift into Drive when Model 3 is stopped or moving less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
in Reverse. If Model 3 is moving less than 1 mph (1.6 km/h), you must press the brake toshift into Drive.
Note: When in Drive, push the lever all the way
down and release to enable
Traffic-AwareCruise Control (see Traffic-Aware Cruise
Control on page 61). Push the lever all the
way down twice in quick succession to enable
Autosteer (see Autosteer on page 67).
Park
Press the end of the gear selector while Model
3 is stopped. Whenever Model 3 is in Park, the
parking brake is applied.
Model 3 automatically shifts into Park
whenever:
In situations where Autopark cannot operatedue to inadequate sensor data, the
touchscreen displays a message indicating that you must manually park Model 3.
Note: If you press the brake when Autopark is
actively parking Model 3, the parking process
pauses until you touch Resume on the
touchscreen.
Note: Autopark detects potential
perpendicular parking spaces that are at least
9.5 feet (2.9 meters) wide with a vehicle
parked on each side. Autopark detects parallel parking spaces that are at least 20 feet (6
meters), but less than 30 feet (9 meters) long.
Autopark does not operate on angled parkingspaces.Warning: Never depend on Autopark tofind a parking space that is legal, suitable,
and safe. Autopark may not always detect
objects in the parking space. Always
perform visual checks to
confirm that a
parking space is appropriate and safe.
Warning: When Autopark is actively
steering Model 3, the steering wheel moves in accordance with Autopark
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
Cleaning the ExteriorTo prevent damage to the paint, immediately
remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt,
industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Model
3 is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use
denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and
stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
Follow these steps when washing the exterior
of Model 3:
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing,
flush grime and grit from
the bodywork using a hose. Flush away
accumulations of mud in areas where
debris easily collects (such as wheel
arches and panel seams). If salt has been
used on the highways (such as during
winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces
of road salt from the underside of the vehicle.
2. Hand Wash
Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft
cloth and cold or lukewarm water
containing a mild, high-quality car
shampoo.
3. Rinse with Clean Water
After washing, rinse with clean water to
prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
4. Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass
After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly
with a chamois.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape,
or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass
or mirrored surfaces.
Cautions for Exterior CleaningCaution: Do not use windshield treatmentfluids. Doing so can interfere with wiper
friction and cause a chattering sound.Caution: Do not use hot water or
detergents.Caution: Do not wash in direct sunlight.Caution: If using a pressure washer,
maintain a distance of at least 12" (30 cm)
between the nozzle and the surface of
Model 3. Keep the nozzle moving and do not concentrate the water jet on any one
area.Caution: Do not aim water hoses directly
at window, door or hood seals, or through
wheel apertures onto brake components.Caution: Avoid using tight-napped or
rough cloths, such as washing mitts.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.
Using any other type of car wash could
cause damage that 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. These can damage the
finish on the wheels.
Caution: Avoid using a high pressure
power washer on the camera(s) or
parking sensors (if equipped) and do not
clean a sensor or camera lens with a
sharp or abrasive object that can scratch
or damage its surface.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
Maintenance119
TransmissionTypeSingle speed fixed gearGearbox Ratio9:1
Brakes
Type
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
with Electronic Brake Force Distribution,
Integrated Advanced Stability Control and
Electronic Accelerator pedal actuated
regenerative braking systemCalipersFront: Four piston fixedRear: Integrated Electronic Parking Brake
SlidingRotor Diameters (ventilated)Front: 12.6"/320 mm
Rear: 13.2"/335 mmFront Rotor thicknessNew: 0.98"/25 mm
Service limit: 0.91”/23 mmRear Rotor thicknessNew: 0.79"/20 mm
Service limit: 0.71”/18 mmFront Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.393"/10 mm
Service limit: 0.110"/2.8 mmRear Brake Pad Thickness (excluding back plate)New: 0.354"/9 mm
Service limit: 0.078"/2 mmParking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake
integrated into rear caliper
Suspension
FrontIndependent, double wishbone, coil
spring/telescopic damper, sway barRearIndependent, multi-link, coil spring/
telescopic damper
Battery - 12V
Rating33 amp hour or higherVoltage and Polarity12V negative (-) ground
Battery - High Voltage
TypeLiquid-cooled lithium ion (Li-ion)
Subsystems
136Model 3 Owner
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:
Caution: Transport Mode automatically
cancels and the parking brake is applied if
Model 3 is rolled faster than 5 mph
(8 km/h), 12V power is low, or if Transport
Mode has been continuously enabled for
20 minutes. Model 3 sounds its horn to warn you that Transport Mode is about tocancel.
Pull onto the Flatbed Truck
Note: If Model 3 has no 12V power, you need
an external 12V power supply to open the
hood or use the touchscreen. See If Model 3
Has No Power on page 148.
1. Activate Transport Mode.
2. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located
under the carpet in the front trunk.
3. Release the tow eye cover by pressingfirmly on the top right perimeter of the
cover until it pivots inward, then gently pulling the raised section toward you.
Note: The tow eye cover is connected to
the vehicle
contact information (continued)Tesla 154coolantBattery, checking level of 124
Battery, replacement interval 112
copyrights 151
cruise control 61
D
dashboard overview 2
data recording 152
data sharing 152
declarations of conformity 155
delivery mileage 153
devicesBluetooth, playing audio files 92
connecting 16
playing audio
files from 92
dimensions 134
dome (map) lights 45
door handles 9
door labels 131
doorsChild Lock 10
exterior door handles 9
interior locking and unlocking 10
keyless entry 9
locking 9
opening from exterior 9
opening from interior 9
Unlock on Park 10
unlocking 9
Walk Away Lock 10
Drive gear 41
driverprofiles 34
seat adjustment 18drivingseating position 18
starting 39
E
Easter Eggs 150
easy entry, driver
profile 34
EDR (event data recorder) 152
electric parking brake 50
emergency braking 76
emergency
flashers 47
emission label 130
energygained from regenerative braking 49
range information 42
energy use predictions (navigating) 97
event data recording 152
exteriorexterior (continued)car cover 121
cleaning 119
dimensions 134
lights 45
overview 3
polishing, touch up, & repair 120
F
fan speed, interior 87
favorite destinations 98
Favorites (Media Player) 91
Favorites (navigation) 95
FCC
certifications 155
features, downloading new 104
firmware (software) updates 104flash drives, playing audio files from 92flashers, warning 47floor mats 121
fluidsreplacement intervals 112
reservoirs, checking 124
fog lights 45
forward collision warning 76
front passenger detection 32
front trunk 14
G
garage doors, opening 101
gates, opening 101
GAWR 131
gears 41
glovebox 16
Gross Axle Weight Rating 131
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 131
ground clearance 134
GVWR 131
H hazard warning
flashers 47
head supports 19
headlightsafter exit 46
controlling 45
high beams 45
heating 86
high beam headlights 45
high voltageBattery specifications 136
components 105
safety 112
hills, stopping on 54
hitches 132
Index
Index159