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
Motor Type(s)
Rear motor: AC permanent magnet synchronous motor, liquid-cooled, with variable frequency drive.
Front motor (AWD vehicles): AC induction motor, liquid-cooled, with variable frequency drive.
Transmission
TypeSingle speed fixed gearGearbox Ratio9:1
Steering
SteeringSpecificationsTypeRack and pinion with electronic power steering, speed sensitiveNumber of turns lock to lock2.00Turning Circle (curb to curb)38 ft (11.6 m)
Brakes
Type4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Integrated Advanced Stability Control and Electronic
Accelerator pedal actuated regenerative braking systemCalipers
Front: Four piston fixed
Rear: Integrated Electronic Parking Brake Sliding
Rotor Diameter (ventilated)
Front (non-Performance): 12.6"/320 mm
Front (Performance): 13.98"/355 mm
Rear (non-Performance): 13.2"/335 mm
Rear (Performance): 13.2”/335 mm
Front Rotor thickness
New: 0.98"/25 mm
Service limit: 0.91”/23 mm
Rear Rotor thickness
New: 0.79"/20 mm
Service limit: 0.71”/18 mm
Lateral runout
0.050 mm
Subsystems
210MODEL 3 Owner
Chordal runout
0.040 mm
Disk thickness variation (DTV)
0.010 mm
Non-Performance Front Brake Pad
Thickness (excluding back plate)
New: 0.393"/10 mm
Service limit: 0.110"/2.8 mm
Non-Performance Rear Brake Pad
Thickness (excluding back plate)
New: 0.354"/9 mm
Service limit: 0.078"/2 mm
Performance Front Brake Pad
Thickness (excluding back plate)
New: 0.393"/10 mm
Service limit: 0.085"/2.15 mm
Performance Rear Brake Pad
Thickness (excluding back plate)
New: 0.393"/10 mm
Service limit: 0.071"/1.8 mm
Parking brakeElectrically actuated parking brake integrated into rear caliper
Suspension
SuspensionSpecificationsFrontIndependent, double wishbone, coil spring/telescopic damper, sway barRearIndependent, multi-link, coil spring/telescopic damper
Battery - Low Voltage
Battery - Low VoltageSpecificationsRating33 amp hour or higherVoltage and PolarityLow voltage negative (-) ground
Battery - High Voltage
For LI-ION Battery:
TypeLi-ionNominal Voltage
355V DC
Temperature RangeDo not expose Model 3 to ambient temperatures above 140
DO NOT TRANSPORT WITH
WHEELS ON THE GROUND
The motor(s) in Model 3 generates power when the
wheels spin. Always transport
Model 3 with all four tires
off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at
any time during transport.
WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE
WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY
CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT
DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES
EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE
SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.
Do not transport Model 3 using any method that is not
specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in
the following sections and observe all warnings and
cautions provided. Damage caused by improper
transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the
warranty.
NOTE: Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing
services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.
Approved Methods for Transporting
A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the
recommended method of transporting
Model 3. The
vehicle can face either direction when using a
flatbed.
If Model 3 must be transported without a flatbed truck,
then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that
all four wheels are
off of the ground. This method may
only be used for a maximum of
35 miles (55 km), and
must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the
dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle
facing forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate
Transport Mode on page 221) before winching Model
3 onto a flatbed truck (see Pull onto the Flatbed
Truck on page 222). If Transport Mode is not
available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-
loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load
the vehicle into the approved transportation
position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage
caused by or during the transport of Model 3,
including personal property damage or damage
caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
NOTE: Transport Mode is only intended to allow for
winching
Model 3 onto a flatbed truck or repositioning
the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under
3
mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than
30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode on
page 221. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to
significant damage and overheating that is not covered
by the warranty.
WARNING: Model 3 is equipped with high voltage
components that may be compromised as a result
of a collision (see High Voltage Components on
page 154). Before transporting Model 3, it is
important to assume these components are
energized. Always follow high voltage safety
precautions (wearing personal protection
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.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged
while winching
Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. When
active, Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. To enable
Transport Mode:
2. Chock the tires or make sure Model 3 is secure.3.
Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen, touch
Controls > Service > Towing. The
touchscreen displays a message reminding you how
to properly transport
Model 3.
4.
Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it
turns blue.
Model 3 is now free-rolling and can slowly
be rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.
To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model 3 into Park.
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with a lead-acid low
voltage battery (see
Jump Starting on page 225):
Transport Mode may cancel if
Model 3 loses low voltage
power after Transport Mode is enabled.
CAUTION: If the electrical system is not working,
and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to
activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or
tire skates. Before doing so, always check the
manufacturer
If you continue to experience reduced braking performance which does not improve over time, please contact Tesla
service at your convenience for a brake inspection.
For more information, see Hydraulic Fade Compensation on page 61.
PCS_a016
Cannot charge - Poor grid power quality possible
Retry / Try other charge location or Supercharging
What this alert means:
Charging has stopped due to a condition that prevents your vehicle from charging with AC power. DC fast charging /
Supercharging should still function as expected.
This may be due to power supply disturbances caused by the external charging equipment or by the electrical
power grid. In some cases, this condition may be the result of using nearby electric devices that draw a lot of power.
If these possible causes can be ruled out, then a condition with your vehicle itself may also be affecting AC charging.
What to do:
If this alert is accompanied by another alert that specifies the condition affecting AC charging, start by investigating
that alert.
Further troubleshooting tips based on equipment type:
A
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): 60
absolute speed limit: 114
acceleration, chill: 68
acceleration, sport: 68
acceleration, standard: 68
accessories: 23
plugging into power socket: 23
adjacent lane speed: 85
aero covers: 178
air conditioning: 116
air filter: 120
air vents: 119
airbag safety information: 44
airbags, location: 38
alarm: 127, 131
all-season tires: 181
Always Show Estimated Round Trip Energy: 146
ambient lights: 53
anti-lock braking (ABS): 60
apps: 5
Arcade: 151
audio: 47, 148, 151
playing files: 148, 151
settings: 148
steering wheel scroll button: 47
volume control: 148
auto fold: 49
auto high beam: 54
Auto Lane Change: 87
auto tilt: 49
AUTO wipers: 59
automatic emergency braking: 112
automatic navigation: 142
navigating: 142
Autopark: 100
autopilot: 108
side collision warning: 108
Autopilot: 77, 80, 85, 87, 100, 102, 111, 114
Auto Lane Change: 87
automatic emergency braking: 111
Autopark: 100
Autosteer: 85
collision avoidance assist: 111
forward collision warning: 111
overtake acceleration: 80
overview: 77
speed assist: 114
speed limit warning: 114
staying within speed limits: 114
Summon: 102
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: 80
Autopilot components: 77
Autosteer: 85
average range: 165
B
backup camera: 72
Battery (high voltage): 156, 211
care of: 156
specifications: 211
temperature limits: 156
battery (key), replacing: 12
battery (low voltage): 156, 211
complete discharge: 156
specifications: 211
Blind Spot Camera: 108
Blind Spot Collision Warning: 108
Blind Spot Collision Warning Chime: 108
Bluetooth: 122, 149
devices, playing audio files from: 149
general information: 122
phone, pairing and using: 122
body repairs: 192
body touch up: 185
Boombox: 151, 152
brakes: 60, 112, 210
automatic in emergencies: 112
overview of: 60
specifications: 210
Bumper Clearance (Summon): 102
C
cabin air filter: 120
cabin camera: 115
cabin temperature control: 116
Calendar: 122, 124
calibrating windows: 16
California Proposition 65: 283
camera, rear-facing: 72
cameras (autopilot): 77
Camp: 118
car cover: 185
car wash mode: 183
car washes: 184
Caraoke): 149
card: 10
cargo area: 18
cargo volume: 210
Index
carpets, cleaning: 184
CCS (Combo): 155
certifications (FCC, ISED, CE, NCC): 285
CHAdeMO: 155
chains: 181
change of ownership: 9
charge port: 158
charge port light: 159
charge port manual release: 161
charge port release cable: 161
charging: 154, 155, 158, 159, 160
charge settings: 159, 160
charging status: 159, 160
components and equipment: 154
instructions: 158
public charging stations: 155
scheduling: 159, 160
charging locations, finding: 145
charging stations, displaying on map: 142
child protection: 16
disabling rear window switches: 16
child seats, installing and using: 32
cleaning: 183
climate controls: 116
coat hangers: 24
cold weather best practices: 74
collision avoidance assist: 111
Colorizer: 151
connecting to Wi-Fi: 137
console: 22, 23
low voltage power socket: 23
opening: 22
rear: 22
USB ports: 23
consumption chart: 165
contact information: 221, 285
roadside assistance: 221
Tesla: 285
copyrights: 280
cruise control: 80
D
dashboard overview: 5
Dashcam: 129
data recording: 282
data sharing: 282
delivery mileage: 283
devices: 149
Bluetooth, playing audio files: 149
dimensions: 208
display settings: 5
Dog: 118
dome (map) lights: 53
door handles: 14
door labels: 206
door seals: 185
cleaning: 185
doors: 14, 15
Child Lock: 15
exterior door handles: 14
interior locking and unlocking: 15
locking: 14
opening from exterior: 14
opening from interior: 14
Unlock on Park: 15
unlocking: 14
doors function: 15
Walk-Away Door Lock: 15
drive away locking: 15
drive mode, Drive: 51
drive mode, Neutral: 51
drive mode, Park: 51
drive mode, Reverse: 51
drive modes, shifting: 51
driver: 45
profiles: 45
driving: 25, 50, 164
seating position: 25
starting: 50
tips to maximize range: 164
E
easy entry, driver profile: 45
EDR (event data recorder): 282
electric parking brake: 62
emergency braking: 111
emergency flashers: 55
Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance: 108
emission label: 205
energy: 56, 61
gained from regenerative braking: 61
range information: 56
Energy app: 165
energy use predictions (navigating): 146
Entertainment: 151
Erase & Reset: 9
event data recording: 282
exterior: 3, 53, 183, 185, 208
car cover: 185
cleaning: 183
Index