Every Tesla

Category: Model 3

  • How to lock and unlock Tesla Model 3

    Locking and unlocking Model 3 is easy and convenient. Just carry your authenticated phone or paired key fob with you. Model 3 recognizes the presence of an authenticated phone or paired key fob and automatically unlocks when you press a door handle, and locks when you leave (see Walk-Away Door section below).

    NOTE: If you don’t have your authenticated phone or paired key fob with you (or if the phone’s battery is dead or its Bluetooth setting is turned off), place the key card against the driver’s side door pillar to manually unlock or lock Model 3 (see How to use Key Card with Model 3).

    NOTE: Due to market region or vehicle configuration, an authenticated phone or Passive Key Fob may not be available for your vehicle.

    NOTE: Optional key fob also allows you to press buttons to lock and unlock Model 3 (see How to use Key Fob with Model 3).

    NOTE: Walk-Away Door Lock operates only when using an authenticated phone or paired key fob. When you walk away from Model 3 carrying a key card or unpaired key fob accessory, Model 3 does not automatically unlock/lock, even if this feature is turned on (see WalkAway Door Lock section below).

    NOTE: Accessory key fobs manufactured before approximately October, 2019 are not equipped with passive functionality.

    Using Exterior Door Handles

    Use your thumb to push the wide part of the door handle. The handle pivots toward you, and you can open the door by pulling the handle or pulling the edge of the door. The handle retracts automatically.

    When a door or trunk is open, the touchscreen displays the Door Open indicator light.

    Opening Doors from the Interior

    Model 3 doors are electrically powered. To open a door while sitting inside, press the button located at the top of the interior door handle and push the door open.

    NOTE: To prevent children from opening the rear doors, turn on child-protection locks (see Child-Protection Lock section below).

    In the unlikely situation that Model 3 has no power, these electrically powered buttons at the top of the door handles no longer work. Instead, pull up the manual door release located in front of the window switches on the front doors. To open a front door when Model 3 has no power, pull up the manual door release located in front of the window switches.

    NOTE: Only the front doors are equipped with a manual door release.

    CAUTION: Manual door releases are designed to be used only in situations when Model 3 has no power. Whenever Model 3 has power, use the button located at the top of the interior door handle.

    Interior Locking and Unlocking

    While sitting inside Model 3, you can lock and unlock all doors and trunks by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen. The icon changes to indicate whether doors are locked or unlocked.

    You can also unlock the doors by pressing the Park button on the end of the drive stalk a second time. Pressing this button once engages the Park gear and pressing it again unlocks the doors.

    Walk-Away Door Lock

    Doors and trunks can automatically lock whenever you walk away carrying your authenticated phone or paired key fob (if ordered after approximately October 1, 2019). To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls >Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock.

    When the doors lock, the exterior lights flash once and the mirrors fold (if Fold Mirrors is on). To also hear a confirmation sound whenever Model 3 locks, touch Controls > Locks > Lock Confirmation Sound > ON.

    Model 3 does not automatically lock if:
    • You check the Exclude Home checkbox and Model 3 is parked at the location you have designated as Home.
    • An authenticated phone or paired key fob is detected inside Model 3.
    • You are not using an authenticated phone or paired key fob as the key, and walk away carrying the key card or unpaired key fob. When using the key card you must manually lock Model 3 by tapping the key card against the door pillar. When using an unpaired key fob (sold as an accessory), you must manually lock Model 3 by pressing the lock button.
    • A door or trunk is not fully closed.
    • The phone’s Bluetooth setting is turned off.

    NOTE: If all doors are closed and Model 3 was automatically unlocked by your authenticated phone or paired key fob, walk-away locking is temporarily suspended for one minute. If you open a door within this minute, it will not re-lock until all the doors are closed and you have walked away with the authenticated phone or paired key fob.

    NOTE: If Model 3 detects an authenticated key for five minutes after you exit the vehicle and close all doors, Walk-Away Lock disables and doors do not lock when you walk away. In this case, you must manually lock your vehicle until after your next drive.

    Drive Away Locking

    Model 3 automatically locks all doors (including the trunks) whenever your driving speed exceeds 5 mph (8 km/h).

    Child-Protection Lock

    Model 3 has child-protection locks on the rear doors to prevent them from being opened using the interior release buttons. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks > Child Lock.

    NOTE: It is recommended that you turn child-protection locks on whenever children are seated in the rear seats.

    Unlock on Park

    When you stop Model 3 and engage the Park gear, you can choose to unlock all doors. To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Locks > Unlock on Park.

    NOTE: If set to OFF, you can unlock all doors by pressing the Park button a second time after engaging the Park gear.

  • How to add and remove keys on Model 3

    To display a list of all keys (phones, key cards, and key fobs) that can access your Tesla Model 3, touch Controls >Locks.

    An icon displays next to each key to indicate whether the key is a phone, key card, or key fob. Use this list to manage keys that have access to your vehicle. To add or delete keys, see Adding and Removing Keys section below.

    NOTE: You can use the same key for more than one Model 3. This prevents you from having to deal with multiple keys when you switch vehicles. If you customize the name of an authenticated key card or key fob on one Model 3 (by touching the pencil icon), any other Model 3 to which the key card or key fob is authenticated also displays the same customized name.

    NOTE: Model 3 supports up to 19 keys. When you reach this limit, you must delete a key before adding a new one.

    Adding and Removing Keys

    Adding a new key card or key fob:

    NOTE: If adding a key fob, ensure the key fob is at room temperature. Pairing may be unsuccessful if the key fob is cold.

    1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks then touch + in the Keys section.
    2. Scan your new key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console. After the new key card or key fob is recognized, remove it from the key reader.
    3. Scan an already-authenticated (i.e. already has access to the vehicle) key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console.
    4. When complete, the key list on the touchscreen displays the newly-authenticated key. You can customize its name by touching the associated pencil icon.

    Adding a new phone key:

    NOTE: To add a new phone key, Bluetooth must be enabled and the phone must have the Tesla mobile app installed and connected to the vehicle’s Tesla account.

    1. While sitting in the vehicle, open the Tesla mobile app and select the appropriate vehicle (if there are multiple vehicles associated with the account), then touch Phone Key > Start.
    2. Scan an already-authenticated key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console.
    3. When the mobile app notifies you that the pairing was successful, touch Done. The key list on the touchscreen (Controls > Locks) displays the new phone key. The name of the phone key is determined by the name used in the phone’s settings.

    Removing a key:

    When you no longer want a key to access your vehicle (for example, you lost your phone or key card, etc.), you can remove the key.

    1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Locks.
    2. Find the key that you would like to delete in the key list, then touch the key’s associated trash icon.
    3. When prompted, scan an already-authenticated key card or key fob on the key reader behind the cup holders on the top of the center console to confirm the deletion. When complete, the key list no longer includes the deleted key.

    NOTE: Your vehicle requires at least one authenticated key card or key fob at all times. If only one key card is included on the key list, this key cannot be deleted.

  • How to use Key Fob with Model 3

    If you have purchased the key fob accessory (available for purchase from Tesla stores or online), you can quickly familiarize yourself with this key by thinking of it as a miniature version of Model 3, with the Tesla badge representing the front. The key has three buttons that feel like softer areas on the surface.

    1. Front trunk – Double-click to open the front trunk.
    2. Lock/Unlock All – Single-click to lock doors and trunks (all doors and trunks must be closed). Double-click to unlock doors and trunks.
    3. Rear trunk – Double-click to open the rear trunk. Hold down for one to two seconds to open the charge port door.

    Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button on the key fob. If you wait longer than two minutes, you must press the unlock button again, or place the key fob near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. When your key fob is detected, the two minute authentication period restarts.

    When approaching or leaving Model 3 carrying the key fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model 3 as you press a button, but you must be within operating range.

    Radio equipment on a similar frequency can affect the key. If this happens, move the key at least one foot (30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phone, laptop, etc.).

    If the key fob does not work (for example, its battery is dead), you can touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver’s side door pillar (like the key card).

    NOTE: You can use the same key fob with multiple Model 3 vehicles provided you authenticate it (see Managing Keys on page 11). However, key fob works with only one Model 3 at a time. Therefore, to use a key fob for a different Model 3, touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver’s side door pillar.

    NOTE: Model 3 supports up to four different key fobs.

    CAUTION: Protect the key from impact, high temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid contact with solvents, waxes and abrasive cleaners.

    Passive Key Fob

    Due market region or vehicle configuration, Passive Key Fob may not be available for your vehicle.

    Locking and unlocking Model 3 with your key fob is conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying a paired key fob, there is no need to use it.

    Model 3 has sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the presence of a key fob within a range of approximately three feet (one meter). Therefore, you can keep your key fob in your pocket or purse and simply pull on the door handle to unlock. When carrying your key fob with you, you can also open the trunk without having to use the key by pressing the trunk’s exterior door handle. If Walk-Away Lock is on, your vehicle automatically locks when you exit and senses that the key fob is no longer in range, Passive key fob is automatically enabled when you pair your key fob to your vehicle.

    The key fob can only be paired to one vehicle at a time. If you want your key fob to passively lock and unlock for a different vehicle, touch the flat side of the key fob onto the driver’s side door pillar or center console card reader. You only need to do this once to pair it to your desired vehicle. You must pair your key fob every time you use it with a different vehicle.

    NOTE: Only key fobs with the TESLA logo printed on the flat side have the passive locking and unlocking functionality. Key fobs with the MODEL 3 logo printed on the flat side cannot passively lock and unlock your vehicle.

    NOTE: For increased security, your key fob disables itself after five minutes of being stationary while in range but the vehicle is not in use. The vehicle will not lock or unlock passively when this occurs. Shake or press a button on your key fob to wake it up.

    Replacing the Key Fob Battery

    Under normal use, the accessory key fob has a battery that lasts for up to five years, depending on key fob version and selected vehicle settings. When the battery is low, a message displays on the touchscreen.

    To replace the key fob battery:

    1. With the key fob placed button side down on a soft surface, release the bottom cover.
    2. Remove the battery by lifting it away from the retaining clips.
    3. While avoiding touching the battery’s flat surfaces, insert the new battery (type CR2032) with the ‘+’ side facing up.

      NOTE: CR2032 batteries can be purchased through online retailers, local supermarkets, and drug stores.
    4. Holding the bottom cover at an angle, align the tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the key fob, then press the cover firmly onto the key fob until it snaps into place.
    5. Test that the key fob works by unlocking and locking your vehicle.

      Attaching a Lanyard

      To attach a lanyard, release the bottom cover as described above. Place the lanyard over the pin located between the slots on the widest side of the key fob. Realign the cover and snap into place.

  • How to use Key Card with Model 3


    Tesla Model 3 comes with two key cards, designed to fit in a wallet. Tap Model 3 key card on one of its card readers, located on the driver’s side door pillar and on the center console.

    To use a key card to unlock or lock Model 3, position the card as shown and tap it against the card reader located just below the Autopilot camera on the driver’s side door pillar.

    When Model 3 detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Sound Confirmation is on), and the doors unlock or lock.

    NOTE: You may need to physically touch the center console or driver’s side door pillar with the key card, and you may need to hold it against the transmitter for one or two seconds.

    Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of scanning the key card.

    If you wait longer than two minutes, you must re-authenticate by placing the key card near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. When your key card is detected, your two minute authentication period restarts.

    NOTE: Walk-Away Door Lock operates only when using an authenticated phone or passive key fob. When you walk away from Model 3 carrying your key card, Model 3 does not automatically unlock/lock, even if this feature is turned on (see Walk-Away Door Lock on page 14).

    CAUTION: Always carry your key card with you to use as a backup in case your authenticated phone has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen.

  • How to use phone as a key with Model 3

    Authenticated phone – You can set up your personal smartphone to communicate with Model 3 using Bluetooth. Supports automatic locking and unlocking as well as several other functions using the Tesla mobile app

    Using your phone is a convenient way to access your Model 3. As you approach, your phone’s Bluetooth signal is detected and doors unlock when you press a door handle. Likewise, when you exit and walk away with the phone, doors automatically lock (provided the Walk-Away Door Lock feature is turned on). Before you can use a phone to access Model 3, follow these steps to authenticate it:

    1. Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.
    2. Log into the Tesla mobile app using your Tesla Account user name and password.
      NOTE: You must remain logged in to your Tesla Account to use your phone to access Model 3.
    3. Ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth settings are turned on.

    You must have your phone’s Bluetooth setting turned on AND you must also ensure that Bluetooth is turned on within your phone’s global settings for the Tesla mobile app. For example, on your phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is enabled.

    NOTE: Model 3 communicates with your phone using Bluetooth. To authenticate your phone or use it as a key, the phone must be powered on and Bluetooth must be enabled. Keep in mind that your phone must have enough battery power to run Bluetooth and that many phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is low.

    1. Ensure that Allow Mobile Access (Controls > Safety & Security > Allow Mobile Access) is enabled.
    2. In the Tesla mobile app, touch PHONE KEY then touch START to search for your Model 3. When your Model 3 is detected, the mobile app asks you to tap your key card.
    3. Tap the key card against the Model 3 card reader on the door pillar or center console.

    When Model 3 detects your key card, the mobile app confirms that your phone has been successfully authenticated. Touch DONE.

    If the key card is not successfully scanned within approximately two minutes, the mobile app displays an error message. Touch PHONE KEY on the app again to retry.

    To view a list of keys that can currently access Model 3, or to remove a phone, touch Controls > Locks.

    NOTE: Authenticating your phone allows you to use it as a key to access Model 3. To use the phone handsfree, access your phone’s contacts, play media from it, etc., you must also pair and connect to it using the Bluetooth settings.

    NOTE: Model 3 can connect to three phones simultaneously. Therefore, if more than one phone is detected and you want to use, or authenticate, a different phone, move the other connected phone(s) out of range or turn off its Bluetooth setting.

    NOTE: Unlike the mobile app, once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer requires an internet connection to communicate with Model 3. Authenticated phones communicate with Model 3 using Bluetooth.

    NOTE: Although Bluetooth typically communicates over distances of up to approximately 30 feet (9 meters), performance can vary based on the phone you are using, environmental interference, etc.

    NOTE: If multiple vehicles are linked to the Tesla Account, you must switch the mobile app to the vehicle that you want to access before you can use the phone as a key.

  • 2020 Tesla Model 3

    STANDARD PLUS MODEL

    Battery: Standard Range
    Acceleration: 5.3s 0-60 mph
    Range: 263 miles
    Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
    Top Speed: 140mph
    Seating: 5 Adults
    Wheels: 18″ Aero Wheels or 19″ Sport Wheels
    Weight: 3,582 lbs
    Cargo: 15 cu ft
    Display: 15″ Center Touchscreen
    Supercharging: 170 kW max; Pay Per Use
    Onboard Charger: 7.6 kW max (32A)
    Warranty:
    Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first
    Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 100,000 mi, whichever comes first

    Partial Premium Interior
    12-way power adjustable heated front seats
    Premium seat material and trim
    Upgraded audio – immersive sound
    Premium Connectivity (30 days included)
    Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
    Power folding, heated side mirrors
    Music and media over Bluetooth®
    Custom driver profiles
    Center console with storage, 4 USB ports and wireless charging for 2 smartphones

    LONG RANGE AWD MODEL

    Battery: Long Range
    Acceleration: 4.2s 0-60 mph
    Range: 353 miles
    Drive: Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
    Top Speed: 145mph
    Seating: 5 Adults
    Wheels: 18″ Aero Wheels or 19″ Sport Wheels
    Weight: 4,065 lbs
    Cargo: 15 cu ft
    Display: 15″ Center Touchscreen
    Supercharging: 250 kW max; Pay Per Use
    Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW max (48A)
    Warranty:
    Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first
    Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 mi, whichever comes first

    Premium Interior
    12-way power adjustable front seats
    Heated front and rear seats
    Premium audio – 14 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amps and immersive sound
    Premium Connectivity (1 year included)
    LED fog lamps
    Interior floor mats
    Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
    Power folding, heated side mirrors
    Music and media over Bluetooth®
    Custom driver profiles
    Center console with storage, 4 USB ports and wireless charging for 2 smartphones


    PERFORMANCE MODEL

    Battery: Long Range
    Acceleration: 3.1s 0-60 mph
    Range: 315 miles
    Drive: Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
    Top Speed: 162mph
    Seating: 5 Adults
    Wheels: 20″ Überturbine Wheels
    Weight: 4,065 lbs
    Cargo: 15 cu ft
    Display: 15″ Center Touchscreen
    Supercharging: 250 kW max; Pay Per Use
    Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW max (48A)
    Warranty:
    Basic Vehicle – 4 years or 50,000 mi, whichever comes first
    Battery & Drive Unit – 8 years or 120,000 mi, whichever comes first

    Premium Interior
    12-way power adjustable front seats
    Heated front and rear seats
    Premium audio – 14 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amps and immersive sound
    Premium Connectivity (1 year included)
    LED fog lamps
    Interior floor mats
    Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
    Power folding, heated side mirrors
    Music and media over Bluetooth®
    Custom driver profiles
    Center console with storage, 4 USB ports and wireless charging for 2 smartphones


    Designed and built as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle, it is a critical step in Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

    Like every Tesla vehicle, Model 3 combines range, performance, safety and technology. Intelligent design maximizes interior space to comfortably fit five adults and all of their gear. The high-efficiency powertrain provides zero to 60 mph acceleration in as little as 3.2 seconds.

    Model 3 is designed to achieve the highest safety ratings in every category. With 220 to 325 miles of range and a starting price below $40,000 before gas savings and incentives, Model 3 is Tesla’s most affordable vehicle yet.

    It is currently available in a number of different configurations, including Standard Range Plus, and Long Range battery options. Certain variants are available with Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive for superior performance and traction in any weather, and Model 3 Performance is also available for best-in-class acceleration.

    VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS
    Dimensions & Weight
    Length: 184.8”
    Width: 82.2” (76.1” with mirrors folded)
    Height: 56.8”
    Wheelbase: 113.2”
    Track (wheel center): 62.2” front and rear
    Ground clearance: 5.5”
    Head room, standard: 39.6” front row, 37.7” second row
    Head room, glass roof: 40.3” front row, 37.7” second row
    Leg room: 42.7” front row, 35.2” second row
    Shoulder room: 56.3” front row, 54.0” second row
    Hip room: 53.4” front row, 52.4” second row
    Seating capacity: 5 adults
    Luggage capacity: 15 cubic feet
    Weight distribution:
    47% front, 53% rear (Model 3)
    48% front, 52% rear (Model 3 Mid Range and Long Range RWD)
    50% front, 50% rear (Model 3 Dual Motor and Performance)

    Body
    Hybrid steel/aluminum body
    Drag coefficient of 0.23

    Chassis
    Double wishbone, virtual steer axis front suspension with coil over twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
    Independent multi-link rear suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar

    Variable ratio, speed sensitive electronic power steering

    Electromechanically boosted four wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution

    18” aero or 19” sport or 20” performance wheels with various tire options

    Standard Accessories
    20 foot mobile connector with storage bag
    120 volt NEMA 5-15 adapter
    J1772 public charging adapter

    Charging
    Supercharging: Up to 180 miles of range in 15 minutes
    Home charging: Up to 44 miles of range per hour (48A wall connector)

  • Car Status and Indicator Lights on Model 3

    Overview

    The touchscreen displays the status of Model 3 at all times. What you see depends on whether the vehicle is:

    • Parked
    • Driving
    • Charging

    When Model 3 is parked, the status area shows the gear, estimated range, and an overhead view of the car with buttons you can touch to open the trunks and charge port door. When you press the brake, Model 3 powers up and indicator lights flash briefly along the top. Unless an indicator light applies to the current situation (for example, a seat belt is not fastened), it should turn off. If an indicator light fails to turn on or off, contact Tesla.

    NOTE: Depending on vehicle options, software version, and market region, the information displayed may be slightly different.

    Indicator Lights

    The following indicator lights illuminate to advise you or alert you of a specific status or condition:

    Red Brake indicator – A brake system fault is detected or the brake fluid level is low. Contact Tesla immediately.

    Orange Brake indicator – A brake booster fault has been detected.

    Orange ABS indicator – An ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) fault is detected. Contact Tesla immediately.

    Orange Parking Brake indicator – A parking brake fault is detected. Contact Tesla.

    Red PARK indicator – The parking brake is manually applied.

    Orange Tire indicator – Tire pressure warning.
    The pressure of a tire is out of range. If a fault with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is detected, the indicator flashes. View tire pressures in the “Cards” area, located below the touchscreen’s car status area. For a TPMS fault, contact Tesla.

    Red Seat Belt indicator – A seat belt for an occupied seat is not fastened.

    Red Air Bag indicator – Airbag safety. If this indicator does not flash on briefly when Model 3 prepares to drive, or if it remains on, contact Tesla immediately.

    Blue Headlights indicator – High beam headlights are on and Auto High Beam is disabled or currently unavailable.

    Blue Headlights indicator with letter A inside – Auto High Beam is enabled and high beams are on. Model 3 is ready to turnoff the high beams if light is detected.

    Gray Headlights indicator with letter A inside – Auto High Beam is enabled but high beams are not on because light is detected in front of Model 3. When light is no longer detected, high beams automatically turn back on.

    Orange Sliding Car indicator – This indicator flashes amber when the
    electronic stability control systems are actively minimizing wheel spin by
    controlling brake pressure and motor power. If this indicator stays illuminated, a fault is detected (contact Tesla immediately).

    Orange TC (crossed) indicator – Electronic stability control systems are no longer minimizing wheel spin.

    Gray (H) indicator – Vehicle Hold is actively applying the brakes.

    Blue Snowflake indicator – Appears when some of the stored
    energy in the Battery may not be available due to cold weather conditions.
    If Model 3 is plugged in, you can heat your Battery by turning on climate
    control with the mobile app. The snowflake icon disappears when the
    Battery is sufficiently warm.

    Amber Turtle indicator – Vehicle power is currently being limited
    because the energy remaining in the Battery is low or the vehicle’s systems
    are being heated or cooled.

  • How to control lights on Model 3

    Controlling Lights

    Touch Controls > Lights on the touchscreen to control the lights.

    In addition to the lights that you can control from the touchscreen, Tesla Model 3 has convenience lights that operate automatically based on what you are doing. For example, in low ambient lighting conditions, interior lights, marker lights, tail lights, and puddle lights turn on when you unlock Model 3, when you open a door, and when you shift into Park. They turn off after a minute or two or when you shift into a driving gear or lock Model 3.

    Exterior lights (headlights, tail lights, side marker lights, parking lights, and license plate lights) are set to AUTO each time you start Model 3. When set to AUTO, exterior lights automatically turn on when driving in low lighting conditions. If you change to a different setting, lights always revert to AUTO on your next drive.

    Touch one of these options to temporarily change the exterior light setting:
    • OFF: Exterior lights turn off until you manually turn them back on or until the next time you drive.
    • PARKING: Only the exterior side marker lights, parking lights, tail lights and license plate lights turn on.
    • ON: Exterior lights turn on.

    NOTE: Any exterior lights (for example, daytime running lights) that are required to remain on in your market region will turn on as appropriate when driving, when parked on specific types of roads, etc.
    NOTE: If equipped with the premium package, Model 3 has a series of LED lights along the rim of the headlights, also referred to as “signature” lights. These lights automatically turn on whenever Model 3 is powered on and a driving gear (Drive or Reverse) is engaged.
    WARNING: Always ensure that your headlights are on during low visibility conditions. Failure to do so may result in a collision.

    A separate control is available to turn on fog lights (if equipped). When on, fog lights operate whenever low beam headlights are on. When headlights are turned off, fog lights also turn off.

    Interior dome (map) lights:
    If set to AUTO, all interior dome lights turn on when you unlock Model 3, open a door upon exiting, or shift into Park. You can also manually turn an individual dome light on or off by pressing its lens. If you manually turn a dome light on, it turns off when Model 3 powers off. If Model 3 was already powered off when you manually turned the light on, it turns off after 60 minutes.

    If you turn on AMBIENT LIGHTS, interior ambient lights turn on whenever the headlights are on (if equipped).

    NOTE: To control the backlighting on the steering wheel buttons, touch Controls > Lights > Steering Wheel Lights. If off, they do not turn on when headlights are on.

    If you turn on Auto High Beam, your vehicle automatically switches from high beam headlights to low beam headlights when light is detected in front of Model 3.

    If you turn on Headlights after Exit, the exterior lights remain on for a short period of time after you stop driving and park Model 3 in low lighting conditions.

    If you turn on Steering Wheel Lights, the arrows associated with the scroll buttons are backlit in low ambient lighting conditions.

    High Beam Headlights

    Push the left-hand steering column lever away from you and release to turn the high beam headlights on continuously. To cancel, push the lever away from you again. To briefly flash the high beam headlights, pull the lever towards you and release.

    The high beam headlights can automatically switch to low beam when there is light detected in front of Model 3 (for example, from an oncoming vehicle). To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Lights > Auto High Beam.

    NOTE: Your chosen setting is retained until you manually change it.
    In situations where Auto High Beam is turned on but the high beams are turned off because light is detected in front of Model 3, you can temporarily turn on the high beams by pulling the lever toward you.

    The following indicator lights are visible on the touchscreen to show the status of the headlights:
    • Low beam headlights are on.
    • High beam headlights are on and Auto High Beam is disabled or currently unavailable.
    • Auto High Beam is enabled and high beams are on. Model 3 is ready to turn off the high beams if light is detected.
    • Auto High Beam is enabled but high beams are not on because light is detected in front of Model 3. When light is no longer detected, high beams automatically turn back on.

    WARNING: Auto High Beam is an aid only and is subject to limitations. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure that the headlights are appropriately adjusted for weather conditions and driving circumstances.

    Headlights After Exit

    When Headlights after Exit is on, the exterior headlights remain on when you stop driving and park Model 3 in low lighting conditions. They automatically turn off after one minute or when Model 3 locks. When off, headlights turn off when you engage the Park gear and open a door.

    To turn this feature on or off, touch Controls > Lights > Headlights after Exit.

    Headlight Adjustments

    To adjust the angle of the headlights, touch Controls > Service > Adjust Headlights, then follow the onscreen instructions. You can choose which headlight you would like to adjust by selecting it on the touchscreen.

    WARNING: Proceed with caution when adjusting headlights. Tesla has carefully calibrated the position of the headlights to be in an optimum position for most driving scenarios. Tesla recommends that you do not adjust headlights unless you are familiar with how headlights should be adjusted. Once adjusted, you will be unable to automatically restore them to their originally calibrated position.
    Contact Tesla for assistance when adjusting headlights.

    Turn Signals

    The turn signals flash three times or continuously, depending on how far up or down you move the lever. Lightly push the turn signal lever up or down for a three-flash sequence. For a continuous signal, push the lever fully up or down.

    The turn signals stop operating when canceled by the steering wheel, by moving the lever in the opposite direction, or lightly pushing the lever in the same direction once more.

    The corresponding turn signal indicator lights up on the touchscreen when a turn signal is operating. You also hear a clicking sound.

    WARNING: If you have purchased an optional Autopilot package and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is active, engaging a turn signal can cause Model 3 to accelerate when using Traffic-Aware Cruise Control in specific situations. If Autosteer is active, engaging a turn signal may cause Model 3 to change lanes.

    Hazard Warning Flashers

    To turn on the hazard warning flashers, press the button located above the rear view mirror. All turn signals flash. Press the button again to turn off the hazard warning flashers.

    Note: Hazard warning flashers operate even when Model 3 cannot detect a key (authenticated phone or key card).

  • How to restart Touchscreen on Model 3

    Restarting the Touchscreen

    If your touchscreen is unresponsive or demonstrates unusual behavior, you can restart it to potentially resolve the issue.

    WARNING: Only restart the touchscreen while the vehicle is stopped and in Park. The car status display, safety warnings, backup camera, etc. will not be visible during the restart.

    1. Shift into Park. Starting and Powering Off
    2. Hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns black and the Tesla logo appears.
    3. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the touchscreen to restart. If the touchscreen is still unresponsive or demonstrating unusual behavior after a few minutes, try powering the vehicle off (touch Controls >Safety & Security > Power Off).

    Note: Restarting the touchscreen using the scroll buttons does not power Tesla Model 3 off and on.

  • How to Start and Power Off Model 3

    Starting

    When you open a door, Tesla Model 3 powers on the touchscreen and you can operate all controls.

    To drive Model 3:

    1. PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL – Model 3 powers on and is ready to drive.
    2. SELECT A GEAR – Move the gear lever all the way down for Drive and all the way up for Reverse.

    Note: If the PIN to Drive feature is enabled, you must also enter a valid PIN on the touchscreen before you can drive Model 3.

    Note: If Passive Entry is off and you do not press the brake pedal to start Model 3 within approximately five minutes, a message displays on the touchscreen and you must use the key to lock then unlock Model 3 again before starting the vehicle.

    Everything you need to know when driving Model 3 displays on the touchscreen.

    Drive Disabled – Requires Authentication

    If Model 3 does not detect a key when you press the brake (an authenticated phone is not detected, or 30 seconds has passed since you used the key card), the touchscreen displays a message telling you that driving requires authentication.

    If you see this message, place the key card behind the cup holders on the top of the center console where the RFID transmitter can read it. The 30 second authentication window restarts and you can start Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal.

    A number of factors can affect whether Model 3 can detect an authenticated phone (for example, the phone’s battery is low or dead and is no longer able to communicate using Bluetooth).

    Always keep your authenticated phone and a key card with you. After driving, your authenticated phone or key card is needed to restart Model 3 after it powers off. And when you leave Model 3, you must bring your authenticated phone or key card with you to lock Model 3, either manually or automatically.

    Powering Off

    When you finish driving, shift into Park by pressing the button on the end of the gear selector. The parking brake automatically engages and all systems keep operating. When you leave Model 3 with your authenticated phone and key card, it powers off automatically, turning off the touchscreen.

    Model 3 also powers off automatically after being in Park for 15 minutes, even if you are sitting in the driver’s seat.

    Although usually not needed, you can power off Model 3 while sitting in the driver’s seat, provided the vehicle is not moving. Touch Controls > Safety & Security > Power Off. Model 3 automatically powers back on again if you press the brake pedal or touch the touchscreen.

    NOTE: Model 3 automatically shifts into Park whenever it is determined that you are exiting the vehicle, even when you shift into Neutral before exiting. To keep Model 3 in Neutral, you will need to activate Transport Mode.