2023 TESLA MODEL Y tow

The towing package includes a 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm)
hitch receiver that can support an accessory carrier (for bicycles, skis, snowboards, etc.) or tow a trailer.
Installing and Using a Carrier
When using the tow package to carry accessories, the 2"
x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) square hitch receiver is designed to
support vertical loads of up to
160 lbs (72 kg). Ball
mounts that are compatible with the square receiver
must be purchased separately.
To install and use an accessory carrier, you must first
attach the ball mount to the hitch receiver (see
Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 83).
Then, follow the instructions provided by your accessory
carrier. Observe all regulations and legal requirements in your state or region that apply to carrying accessories.
The Model Y towing package includes the wiring
necessary for using an accessory carrier equipped with
lights (see
Electrical Connections on page 83). The
package also includes Trailer Mode software compatibility (see
Trailer Mode on page 81).
NOTE: Go to http://www.tesla.com to purchase
accessories for your vehicle. Although third-party products are available, Tesla recommends and supports
only Tesla-approved products (see
Parts and
Accessories on page 198). The accessory products
available for your vehicle may vary based on market
region. Before attempting to install a non Tesla-
approved carrier, review the product information to ensure compatibility.
NOTE: When not in use, the ball mount should be
removed and stored in a dry location to prevent dust and corrosion. Keep the dust cover over the hitch housing to prevent dirt and debris from entering (see
Attaching and Removing the Ball Mount on page 83).
NOTE: Tesla assumes no responsibility for damage or
injuries resulting from installing and using an accessory carrier, for any omissions in the instructions
accompanying an accessory carrier, or for your failure to follow the instructions. Damage caused by using an accessory carrier is not covered by the warranty.
Carrying Accessories
The hitch receiver is designed to support vertical loads
up to
160 lbs (72 kg). When carrying bicycles, skis, or
other items on the
Model Y hitch, always check to
ensure that the maximum weight is not exceeded. When calculating weight, remember to include the weight of
the accessory carrier.
For example, assuming the carrier
weighs 40 lbs (18 kg), the weight threshold is sufficient
for carrying two bicycles weighing approximately 60 lbs
(27 kg) each, or four items weighing approximately 30
lbs (14 kg) each.
NOTE: Consult the product details of your accessory
carrier for more information, such as additional weight or load limits. Damage caused by non Tesla-approved
accessories is not covered by the warranty.CAUTION: Exceeding the maximum weight the
Model Y hitch is designed to support (as
previously described) can cause significant

damage.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to install an accessory
carrier on Model Y that is not equipped with the
tow package. Doing so can cause significant
damage.
Trailer Towing
The maximum trailer weight (including all cargo and
additional equipment), and the trailer tongue weight
depend on the number of occupants in your vehicle and the tires being used. The maximum towing capacity and
trailer tongue weight must never exceed the following:
Wheel/Rim Size# of
PassengersMaximum
Towing
CapacityMaximum
Tongue
Weight19", 20"
and 21"up to 33,500 lbs
(1,588 kg)350 lbs (159
kg)19" and
21"4 - 53,500 lbs
(1,588 kg)350 lbs (159
kg)20"4 - 52,300 lbs
(1,043 kg)**230 lbs (104
kg)**19"6 - 7*2000 lbs
(907 kg)**200 lbs (91
kg)**20"6 - 7*Towing not
permitted-21"6 - 7*1200 lbs
(544 kg)**120 lbs (54
kg)**
*Applicable only to vehicles with seven seating
positions.
** You must operate within the speed limitations of your trailer and tires, and only drive at speeds appropriate for
the load you are towing, the weather, road and
traffic
conditions, and your level of towing experience. Always
obey posted speed limits and local regulations regarding
speed.
NOTE: In Canada, towing is limited to 55 mph (89 km/h).
For trailers with a combined loading of more than 1650
lbs (750 kg), Tesla recommends using a separate braking
system with an independent controller (see
Trailer
Brakes on page 81). Carefully follow the instructions
provided by the trailer brake manufacturer to ensure that trailer brakes are properly installed, adjusted, and
maintained.
Towing and Accessories
79Driving

The tongue weight is the downward force that the weight of the trailer exerts on the hitch. This must not exceed 10% of the maximum trailer weight. Carrying a
significant amount of equipment, passengers, or cargo
in the tow vehicle can reduce the towing capacity it can handle, which also reduces the tongue weight. Maximum towing capacity is calculated assuming the
GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is not exceeded (see
Vehicle Loading on page 208).
NOTE: If the information on the hitch label conflicts with
the information provided in this Owner

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