Charging Equipment
Charging equipment designed specifically to charge
your
Model 3 is available from Tesla. A Tesla Wall
Connector, which installs in your parking space, is the
fastest way to charge
Model 3 in daily use.
In most market regions, Model 3 is equipped with a
Mobile Connector and the adapter(s) needed to plug into the most commonly used power outlets. When
using the Mobile Connector,
first plug the Mobile
Connector into the power outlet, attach an adapter (if needed), and then plug in
Model 3. For more information
about your Mobile Connector, see the Mobile Connector Owner
About the Battery
Model 3 has one of the most sophisticated battery
systems in the world. The most important way to preserve the Battery is to
LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE
PLUGGED IN when you are not using it. This is
particularly important if you are not planning to drive
Model 3 for several weeks.
NOTE: When left idle and unplugged, your vehicle
periodically uses energy from the Battery for system
tests and recharging the 12V battery when necessary.
There is no advantage to waiting until the Battery
2. While holding the public charging handle in one hand and the adapter in the other hand, press and hold the
button on the public charging handle and pull both
outwards, removing the handle and adapter at the same time.
NOTE: If the charging station handle separates from
the adapter, leaving the adapter in
Model 3, use the
touchscreen to unlock the charge port (touch the charging icon on the overhead view of the vehicle).
3.
Press and hold the charging handle button again to release the adapter from the charging handle.
NOTE: The charge port automatically closes within
approximately 10 seconds of removing the connector from the charge port.
CAUTION: Tesla strongly recommends leaving
Model 3 plugged in when not in use. This maintains
the Battery at the optimum level of charge.
Manually Releasing Charge Cable
If the usual methods for releasing a charge cable from the charge port (using the charge handle release button,
touchscreen, or mobile app) do not work, carefully
follow these steps:
1.
Ensure that Model 3 is not actively charging by
displaying the charging screen on the touchscreen. If necessary, touch
Stop Charging.
2.
Open the rear trunk.
3.
Pull the charge port
When you change the current, Model 3 remembers
the location. If you charge at the same location, you
do not need to change it again.
NOTE: If Model 3 is charging and detects unexpected
Supercharger Usage Fees and Idle Fees
When charging using a Tesla supercharger,
Supercharging information displays at the bottom of the
charging screen. This information includes the location, the time that charging started, and a cost estimate for the session. When you stop supercharging, the estimated cost of that session displays until a new supercharging session begins.
NOTE: Estimated pricing is displayed for your
convenience only and may not
reflect the final pricing
for the supercharging session. Final pricing for
supercharging sessions can be found in your Tesla
Account.
When charging at a Tesla supercharger, you are subject to idle fees. Idle fees are designed to encourage drivers
to move their vehicle from the Supercharger when
charging is complete. Idle fees are in
effect only when
half or more of the Superchargers at a site are occupied. The Tesla mobile app
notifies you when charging nears
completion, and again when charging is complete. Additional
notifications are sent if idle fees are incurred.
Idle fees are waived if you move your vehicle within
five
minutes of charging completion.
Log into your Tesla Account to view fees and details
about Supercharger sessions, set up a payment method,
and make payments. Once a payment method is saved, fees are automatically paid from your account.
Charging Instructions
158MODEL 3 Owner
Cleaning the Exterior
To 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.
Keep the exterior cameras free of dirt, condensation, or obstructions. These substances can cause unclear pictures or Autopilot and safety features to stop working (see
Cleaning a Camera on page 167).
Follow these steps when washing the exterior of Model
3:
1.
Rinse Thoroughly
Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle
using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells 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, wheel wells, and brakes.
2.
Hand Wash
Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft cloth and cold
or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car shampoo.
CAUTION: Some cleaners and car shampoos
contain chemicals that can cause damage or
discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces,
lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car
cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other
highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can
damage exterior components. Damage or
discoloration resulting from cleaning products
is not covered by the warranty.
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. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a
short drive and applying the brakes multiple times.
Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning
fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces.
Car Wash Mode
When taking Model 3 to a car wash, Car Wash Mode
closes all windows, locks the charge port door, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable, touch
Controls > Service > Car Wash Mode. Your vehicle
must be in Park and not actively charging.
If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps
your vehicle in Neutral and prevents
Model 3 from
applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver
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 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.
If equipped with polyurethane seats, be careful with dyes, such as from clothing or denim, that come into contact with the seats. Over time, dyes can
diffuse into
the seat material and cause staining.
Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
CAUTION: Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may
inhibit the sensitivity of a seat
(CC_a003)
Unable to charge - Wall Connector GFCI tripped
Disconnect and retry or use different equipment
What this alert means:
Ground fault. Current is leaking through an unsafe path. Possible Line to ground or Neutral to ground fault.
What to do:
Try again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting. If the problem persists, turn OFF
the circuit breaker servicing the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, turn the circuit breaker ON again, then try
reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle. If the problem persists, contact Tesla.
(CC_a004)
Unable to charge - Wall Connector issue
Wall Connector needs service
What this alert means:
Wall Connector hardware issue. Possible issues include:
1.
Contactor not working
2.
Self-test of internal ground fault monitoring circuit failed
3.
Thermal sensor disconnected
4.
Other hardware component issues
What to do:
An internal issue was detected by the Wall Connector.
1.
Try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and reconnecting.
2.
If the issue persists, turn OFF the circuit breaker for the Wall Connector, wait 10 seconds, and turn the circuit
breaker ON again. Then try reconnecting the Wall Connector to the vehicle.
3.
If the issue persists, check for loose connections.
a.
Make sure there is no power to the Wall Connector.
b.
Remove the face plate and inspect the wiring terminals for any loose connections.
c.
Contact an electrician if necessary to make sure all wires are properly connected and torqued according to the
instructions in the Wall Connector Installation Manual.
4.
Once all connections have been checked and made secure, restore power to the Wall Connector and try charging
again by reconnecting to the vehicle.
5.
If the issue persists, the Wall Connector needs service. Schedule a service appointment through your Mobile App.
(CC_a005)
Unable to charge - Wall Connector GFCI tripped
Disconnect and retry or use different equipment
What this alert means:
Ground fault. Current is leaking through an unsafe path. Possible Line to ground or Neutral to ground fault.
What to do:
Troubleshooting Alerts
209Consumer Information