Tesla MODEL 3 2012 User manual

MODEL 3
OWNER'S MANUAL
Software version: 2022.20
China

YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL
For the latest and greatest information that is customized to your vehicle, view the Owner’s
Manual on your vehicle’s touchscreen by touching Controls > Service > Owner's Manual. The
information is specific to your vehicle depending on the features you purchased, vehicle
configuration, market region and software version. In contrast, owner information that is
provided by Tesla elsewhere is updated as necessary and may not contain information unique to
your vehicle.
RELEASE NOTES
Information about new features is displayed on the touchscreen after a software update, and
can be viewed at any time by touching Controls > Software > Release Notes. If the content in
the Owner's Manual on how to use your vehicle conflicts with information in the Release Notes,
the Release Notes take precedence.
ILLUSTRATIONS AND PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
The illustrations provided in this document are for demonstration purposes only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version and market region, the information displayed on the
touchscreen in your vehicle may appear slightly dierent.
All specifications and descriptions contained in this document are verified to be accurate at the
time of printing. However, because continuous improvement is a goal at Tesla, we reserve the
right to make product modifications at any time. To communicate any inaccuracies or omissions
in this document, please send an email to: o[email protected]om.
SAFETY INFORMATION
You can find safety information in your Model 3 Owner's Manual on the touchscreen.
For detailed information about your Model 3, go to the Tesla website for your region, log on to
your Tesla account, or sign up to get an account.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Model 3, call Tesla at 400-910-0707.
© 2012-2022 TESLA, INC.
All information in this document and all vehicle software is subject to copyright and other
intellectual property rights of Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. This material may not be modified,
reproduced or copied, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Tesla, Inc. and
its licensors. Additional information is available upon request. Shown here are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Tesla, Inc. in the United States and other countries:

Overview............................................................3
Exterior Overview...................................................... 3
Interior Overview....................................................... 4
Touchscreen Overview.............................................5
Opening and Closing.................................... 8
Keys.................................................................................8
Doors.............................................................................13
Windows...................................................................... 15
Rear Trunk................................................................... 16
Front Trunk................................................................. 18
Interior Storage and Electronics.........................21
Seating and Safety Restraints.................26
Front and Rear Seats............................................. 26
Seat Belts................................................................... 30
Child Safety Seats................................................... 33
Airbags........................................................................ 45
Driving............................................................. 50
Driver Profiles........................................................... 50
Steering Wheel.........................................................52
Mirrors..........................................................................54
Starting and Powering O................................... 56
Shifting........................................................................ 58
Lights...........................................................................60
Car Status...................................................................64
Wipers and Washers.............................................. 68
Braking and Stopping............................................69
Traction Control....................................................... 74
Park Assist..................................................................75
Vehicle Hold...............................................................77
Track Mode.................................................................78
Active Hood................................................................81
Trip Information........................................................82
Getting Maximum Range......................................83
Rear Facing Camera(s)......................................... 86
Pedestrian Warning System................................ 87
Cold Weather Best Practices.............................. 88
Autopilot......................................................... 92
About Autopilot.......................................................92
Trac-Aware Cruise Control...............................95
Autosteer................................................................... 101
Navigate on Autopilot..........................................107
Trac Light and Stop Sign Control.................110
Autopark.................................................................... 119
Summon......................................................................121
Smart Summon....................................................... 125
Active Safety Features.............................129
Lane Assist............................................................... 129
Collision Avoidance Assist..................................132
Speed Assist............................................................ 136
Cabin Camera..........................................................138
Using the Touchscreen.............................139
Controls..................................................................... 139
Climate Controls.................................................... 146
Maps and Navigation............................................152
Media.......................................................................... 159
Entertainment..........................................................162
Phone and Calendar............................................. 165
Voice Commands...................................................169
Security Settings..................................................... 171
Dashcam and Sentry Mode................................ 172
HomeLink Universal Transceiver...................... 176
Connecting to Wi-Fi..............................................179
Software Updates..................................................180
Mobile App............................................................... 182
Charging........................................................ 185
Electric Vehicle Components............................ 185
High Voltage Battery Information................... 187
Charging Instructions...........................................189
Maintenance................................................. 195
Maintenance.............................................................195
Tire Care and Maintenance.................................197
Cleaning................................................................... 205
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets....................... 209
Fluid Reservoirs....................................................... 211
Jacking and Lifting................................................213
Parts and Accessories..........................................214
Specifications.............................................. 216
Identification Labels............................................. 216
Vehicle Loading...................................................... 217
Dimensions and Weights.................................... 219
Subsystems..............................................................222
Wheels and Tires...................................................228
Roadside Assistance................................ 233
Contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance.........233
Instructions for Transporters............................234
Contents

Consumer Information............................ 239
About this Owner Information.........................239
Disclaimers............................................................... 241
Reporting Safety Defects.................................. 243
Radio Regulatory Compliance.........................244
Troubleshooting Alerts.......................................246
Index............................................................... 301
Contents

1. Exterior lights (Lights on page 60)
2. Autopilot camera (About Autopilot on page 92)
3. Front door handle (Using Exterior Door Handles on page 13)
4. Key card sensor (Keys on page 8), Autopilot camera (About Autopilot on page 92)
5. Rear door handle (Using Exterior Door Handles on page 13)
6. Charge port (Charging Instructions on page 189)
7. Autopilot cameras (About Autopilot on page 92)
8. Exterior mirrors (Mirrors on page 54)
9. Radar sensor (hidden from view) (About Autopilot on page 92)
10. Hood/front trunk (Front Trunk on page 18)
11. Tow eye cover (Instructions for Transporters on page 234)
12. Wheels and tires (Wheels and Tires on page 228)
13. Rear view camera (Rear Facing Camera(s) on page 86)
14. Rear trunk (Rear Trunk on page 16)
Exterior Overview
3Overview

1. Door open button (Opening Doors from the Interior on page 13)
2. Turn signal stalk (High Beam Headlights on page 61), Turn Signals on page 62, and
Windshield Washers on page 68)
3. Horn (Horn on page 53)
4. Drive stalk (How to Shift on page 58, Trac-Aware Cruise Control on page 95, Autosteer
on page 101)
5. Touchscreen (Touchscreen Overview on page 5)
6. Driver dome light (Lights on page 60)
7. Cabin camera (Cabin Camera on page 138)
8. Hazard warning flashers (Hazard Warning Flashers on page 62)
9. Passenger dome light (Lights on page 60)
10. Climate control vent (see Climate Controls on page 146)
11. Power window switches (Windows on page 15)
12. Manual door release (Opening Doors from the Interior on page 13)
13. Left scroll button (Scroll Buttons on page 52)
14. Brake pedal (Braking and Stopping on page 69)
15. Accelerator pedal (Regenerative Braking on page 70)
16. Right scroll button (Scroll Buttons on page 52)
17. Center console (Interior Storage and Electronics on page 21)
18. Glovebox (Glovebox on page 21)
Interior Overview
4 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual

WARNING: Always pay attention to road and trac conditions when driving. To
minimize driver distraction and ensure the safety of vehicle occupants as well as other
road users, avoid using the touchscreen to adjust settings while the vehicle is in motion.
Use the touchscreen to control many features that, in traditional cars, are controlled using
physical buttons (for example, adjusting the cabin heating and air conditioning, headlights, etc.).
You also use the touchscreen to control media, navigate, use entertainment features, and
customize Model 3 to suit your preferences. For hands-free access to common touchscreen
controls, use voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 169). The main component of
the touchscreen is the map area. Other main components are shown here:
NOTE: Illustrations are provided to improve conceptual understanding only. Depending on
vehicle options, software version, market region and regional and language settings, the details
displayed on the screen will dier.
1. Status bar: This area on the top of the touchscreen displays the time of day and the
following icons:
Touch to lock/unlock all doors and trunks.
Touchscreen Overview
5Overview

Touch to display information about the weather and the air quality.
Displays on the touchscreen status bar only when Model 3 detects a
programmed HomeLink within range, and the touchscreen is not already
displaying the HomeLink screen or popup. See HomeLink Universal
Transceiver on page 176.
Displays on the touchscreen status bar only when Model 3 is parked.
Add, configure (including Valet Mode and Use Easy Entry), or quickly
switch driver profiles. Driver profiles can also be accessed from the top
of any Controls screen. See Driver Profiles on page 50.
Available when Model 3 is parked, touch to manually turn Sentry Mode
on or o. To automatically turn Sentry Mode on every time you leave
your vehicle, enable the setting from Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode.
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November
1, 2021, the center console USB ports may only support charging
devices. Use the USB port inside the glove box for all other functions.
Displays when Model 3 is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Displays when Model 3 cellular connectivity is very low or unavailable.
Touch this icon for quick access to Wi-Fi settings.
Status of the front passenger airbag (see Airbags on page 45).
2. Navigation: Change the orientation of the map, find or navigate to a destination, and change
navigation settings (see Maps and Navigation on page 152).
3. Car status: This area dynamically displays the current status of Model 3 as you drive, park,
open doors, turn lights on, etc. Monitor this area when driving as it displays important
information such as driving speed and warning messages (see Car Status on page 64).
When the car is in Park, you can open the trunks or charge port door.
Touchscreen Overview
6 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual

When full self-driving is enabled (if equipped), the car status area displays visualizations of
the road and your vehicle's surroundings. You can expand/condense the visualization by
dragging the car status area from side to side. Expanding the visualization displays more
details about the roadway and its surroundings, including road markings, stop lights, and
objects (such as trash cans and poles).
4. Controls: Control various features and adjust settings to customize your Model 3 (see
Controls on page 139).
5. Climate controls (driver): Use the left and right arrows to decrease/increase cabin
temperature. Touch Split on the popup to display separate controls for the driver and
passenger. Touch the temperature icon to customize climate control settings (see Climate
Controls on page 146). The passenger climate controls display when temperature controls
have been Split to provide separate controls for the driver and passenger.
6. My Apps: For one-touch access to frequently used apps and controls, you can choose what
displays here. See Customizing My Apps on page 7.
7. App Launcher: Touch the app launcher to open the app tray. Then touch any app to open it.
The app you choose displays on top of the map. To close an app, drag it downward.
8. Recent App(s): Displays the most recently used app(s). The number of recent apps
displayed here depends on how many apps have been added to My Apps. If you add the
maximum number of apps to My Apps, only the most recent app displays.
9. Volume Control: Controls the volume of media player and phone calls (see Volume Controls
on page 159). The volume of navigation instructions is controlled separately (see Maps and
Navigation on page 152).
Popup messages appear at the bottom of the touchscreen. For example, a seat belt reminder
appears if a seat belt is unfastened in an occupied seat, an alert appears to notify you of an
incoming phone call, a text message appears (when applicable), and voice commands appear
when in use. If applicable, touch options from these popup messages (for example, accept/
decline a phone call, choose an option from the headlight menu, etc.). To dismiss a popup
message, swipe it downward.
Customizing My Apps
For one-touch access to commonly used apps and controls, you can customize what displays in
the My Apps area on the touchscreen's bottom bar:
1. Enter customization mode by touching and holding any app or control in the My Apps area.
If this area is empty, touch the App Launcher.
2. Simply drag any app or control from the app tray onto the My Apps area in the bottom bar.
NOTE: Seat heaters selected from the app tray appear next to the temperature, instead of in
the My Apps area.
NOTE: Controls (for example, wipers, defrosters and seat heaters) appear in the app tray only
when you enter customization mode by touching and holding an app.
NOTE: When you've added the maximum number of apps or controls to My Apps, adding an
additional app removes the rightmost app.
NOTE: Remove an app or control from the My Apps area by touching and holding, then
touching its associated "X".
Touchscreen Overview
7Overview

Three Types of Keys
Model 3 supports three types of keys:
• Phone key - You can set up your personal
phone as a "phone key" that
communicates with Model 3 using
Bluetooth. A phone key supports
automatic locking and unlocking.
• Key card - Tesla provides a key card that
communicates with Model 3 using short
range radio-frequency identification
(RFID) signals. The key card is used to
"authenticate" phone keys to work with
Model 3 and to add or remove other key
cards, phone keys, or key fobs. Unlike the
phone key and key fob, the key card does
not support automatic locking and
unlocking. In situations where your phone
key has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen,
use your key card to unlock, drive, and
lock Model 3.
• Key fob - The key fob (if equipped) allows
you to press buttons to open the front
and rear trunks, and unlock, lock, and
drive Model 3. The key fob also supports
automatic locking and unlocking, if
available in your region (see Passive
Locking and Unlocking on page 10) and
can be used as a backup to your phone
key.
Model 3 supports a total of 19 keys, which can
include phone keys, key cards, and up to four
key fobs.
CAUTION: Remember to bring a key
with you when you drive. Although
you can drive Model 3 away from its
key, you will be unable to power it
back on after it powers o.
Phone Key
Using your phone as a key 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 key, doors automatically lock
(provided the Walk-Away Door Lock feature
is turned on; see Walk-Away Door Lock on
page 14).
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 username and password.
NOTE: You must remain logged in to your
Tesla account to use your phone to access
Model 3.
NOTE: If multiple vehicles are linked to
your Tesla account, you must ensure that
the vehicle you want the mobile app to
access is currently selected on the mobile
app.
3. Ensure:
◦ Your phone's general Bluetooth
settings are enabled.
◦ Bluetooth is enabled within your
phone's 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 turned on.
◦ Access to your location is enabled.
Open the Tesla mobile app in your
phone's settings and select Location
> Always. For the best experience,
keep the mobile app running in the
background.
◦ Allow Mobile Access is enabled on the
vehicle touchscreen (Controls >
Safety > Allow Mobile Access).
NOTE: Model 3 communicates with your
phone using Bluetooth. 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.
4. While sitting inside the vehicle with a key
card handy, open the Tesla mobile app
and touch Set Up Phone Key on the main
screen, or navigate to Security > Set Up
Phone Key. Follow the prompts on the
mobile app and vehicle touchscreen to
set up your phone key.
To view a list of keys that can currently access
Model 3, or to remove a phone key, touch
Controls > Locks (see Managing Keys on
page 11).
Keys
8 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual

Model 3 can connect to three phone keys
simultaneously. Therefore, if more than three
phone keys are detected and you want to
authenticate or pair a dierent phone, move
the other connected phone key(s) out of
range or turn o its Bluetooth setting.
Once a phone has been authenticated, it no
longer requires an internet connection to be
used as a phone key for Model 3. However, to
use the phone hands-free, access your
phone's contacts, play media from it, etc., you
must also pair it and connect it as a Bluetooth
device (see Pairing a Bluetooth Phone on
page 165).
Key Card
Tesla provides you with two Model 3 key
cards, designed to fit in your wallet.
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 Confirmation Sound 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 (see Starting and
Powering O on page 56). 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: If enabled, Walk-Away Door Lock (see
Walk-Away Door Lock on page 14)
operates only when you walk away using a
phone key or passive key fob. When you walk
away carrying your key card, Model 3 does
not automatically unlock/lock.
CAUTION: Always carry your key card
with you in your purse or wallet to use
as a backup in case your
authenticated phone has a dead
battery, or is lost or stolen.
Key Fob
If you have purchased the key fob accessory,
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.
Keys
9Opening and Closing

1. Front trunk - Double-click to unlatch 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 unlatch 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
(see Starting and Powering O on page 56).
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
aect the key. If this happens, move the key
at least 30 cm away from other electronic
devices (phones, laptops, etc.).
In the event that the key fob's battery is dead,
you can still use it to drive the vehicle by
scanning the key fob on the card reader
located on the driver's side door pillar (like
the key card).
Instructions for changing the battery are
provided in Replacing the Key Fob Battery on
page 10.
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 dierent Model 3, touch its flat side
against the card reader on the driver's side
door pillar.
NOTE: Model 3 supports up to four dierent
key fobs.
CAUTION: Protect the key from
impact, high temperatures, and
damage from liquids. Avoid contact
with solvents, waxes, and abrasive
cleaners.
Passive Locking and Unlocking
Due to market region or vehicle configuration,
passive locking and unlocking may not be
available for your vehicle.
NOTE: Only key fobs with the TESLA logo
printed on the flat side support the passive
locking and unlocking feature. Key fobs with
the MODEL 3 logo printed on the flat side
cannot passively lock and unlock Model 3.
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 two
meters. 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
rear trunk's exterior door handle. If Walk-
Away Door Lock is enabled, Model 3
automatically locks when you exit and the key
fob is no longer in range (see Walk-Away
Door Lock on page 14). Passive locking and
unlocking is automatically enabled when you
pair your key fob to Model 3.
Although you can use the same key fob with
multiple vehicles, it can only be paired to one
vehicle at a time. To activate a paired key fob
to a dierent vehicle, touch the flat side onto
the driver's side door pillar and click any
button on the key fob to confirm.
NOTE: For increased security, passive locking
and unlocking disables after being stationary
for five minutes while within vehicle range
when the vehicle is not in use (for example,
you are standing outside your vehicle). In this
situation, you must shake or press a button on
the key fob to re-enable passive locking and
unlocking.
Replacing the Key Fob Battery
Under normal use, the accessory key fob has
a battery that lasts for up to one year,
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:
Keys
10 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual

1. With the key fob placed button side down
on a soft surface, release the bottom
cover, using a small flat-bladed tool.
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: Wipe the battery clean before
fitting and avoid touching the battery's
flat surfaces. Finger marks on the flat
surfaces of the battery can reduce battery
life.
NOTE: CR2032 batteries can be
purchased from any retailer that sells
batteries.
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 Model 3.
WARNING: Key fob batteries contain a
chemical burn hazard and should not
be ingested. The key fob contains a
coin cell battery. If the coin cell
battery is swallowed, it can cause
severe internal burns within two hours
and can lead to death. Keep new and
used batteries away from children. If
the battery compartment does not
close securely, stop using the product
and keep it away from children. If you
think batteries might have been
swallowed or placed inside any part of
the body, seek immediate medical
attention.
Managing Keys
To display a list of all keys (phone keys, key
cards, and key fobs) that can access your
Model 3, touch Controls > Locks. An icon
displays next to each key to indicate whether
the key is a phone key, key card, or key fob.
Use this list to manage keys that have access
to your Model 3. To add or delete keys, see
Adding and Removing Keys on page 11.
Model 3 supports up to 19 keys. When you
reach this limit, you must delete a key before
adding a new one.
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
changed name.
Adding and Removing Keys
To add a new key card or key fob:
NOTE: When adding a key fob, ensure it is at
room temperature. Pairing a key fob that is
very cold can be unsuccessful.
1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls >
Locks then touch +in the Keys section.
2. Scan your new key card or key fob on the
card reader located 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 card
reader.
Keys
11Opening and Closing

3. Scan a key card or key fob that has
already been paired to the vehicle to
confirm new key pairing.
4. When complete, the key list includes the
new key. Touch the associated pencil icon
to customize the name of the key.
To add a new phone key, see Phone Key on
page 8.
Removing a key:
When you no longer want a key to access
Model 3 (for example, you lost your phone or
key card, etc.), follow these steps to remove
it.
1. On the touchscreen, touch Controls >
Locks.
2. In the key list, find the key that you would
like to delete and touch its associated
trash icon.
3. When prompted, scan an authenticated
key card or key fob on the card reader to
confirm the deletion. When complete, the
key list no longer includes the deleted key.
NOTE: Model 3 requires at least one
authenticated key card or key fob at all times.
If only one key card remains on the key list,
you cannot delete it.
Keys
12 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual

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.
You can specify that you want to unlock only
the driver's door when you shift into Park by
turning on Controls > Locks > Driver Door
Unlock Mode. If o, all doors unlock when
you shift into Park.
NOTE: See Cold Weather Best Practices on
page 88 to ensure door handles function
properly in cold weather.
WARNING: While using the door
handle, take care to avoid allowing
fingers, jewelry, acrylic nails, etc. from
being pinched by the door or door
handle mechanism. Failure to do so
may result in damage or injury.
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 locks (see Child
Locks on page 14).
To open a front door in the unlikely situation
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. When
Model 3 has power, use the button
located at the top of the interior door
handle.
Doors
13Opening and Closing

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 Park and pressing it again unlocks
the doors.
Driver Door Unlock Mode
Enabling Controls > Locks > Driver Door
Unlock Mode only unlocks the driver door
when you first unlock Model 3.
Walk-Away Door Lock
Doors and trunks can automatically lock
when you walk away carrying your phone key
or paired key fob (if ordered after
approximately October 1, 2019). To turn this
feature on or o, 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 when
Model 3 locks, touch Controls > Locks > Lock
Confirmation Sound.
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. For details on
how to designate a location as Home, see
Home, Work, and Favorite Destinations on
page 155.
• A phone key or paired key fob is detected
inside Model 3.
• A door or trunk is not fully closed.
• The phone key's Bluetooth setting is
turned o.
• Key fob or phone key remains within
range for five minutes after all doors have
been closed.
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) when your driving
speed exceeds 8 km/h.
Child Locks
Model 3 has child locks on the rear doors to
prevent them from being opened using the
interior release buttons. On the touchscreen,
touch Controls > Locks > Child Lock. You can
choose Both to engage the child lock on both
rear doors, or you can choose Left or Right to
engage it on just a specific door.
WARNING: It is recommended that
you turn on child locks when children
are seated in the rear seats.
Unlock on Park
When you stop Model 3 and engage Park, you
can choose to unlock all doors. To turn this
feature on or o, 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 Park.
Doors
14 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual

Opening and Closing
Press down on a switch to lower the
associated window. Window switches operate
at two levels:
• To lower a window fully, press the switch
all the way down and immediately release.
• To lower a window partially, press the
switch gently and release when the
window is where you want it.
Similarly, pull a switch to raise the associated
window:
• To raise a window fully, pull the switch all
the way up and immediately release.
• To raise a window partially, pull the switch
gently and release when the window is
where you want it.
If a window is left open unintentionally, Model
3 can send a notification to the mobile app
(touch Controls > Locks > Car Left Open
Notification, then choose Doors & Windows).
You can also enable Close Windows on Lock
by touching Controls > Locks > Close
Windows on Lock. When enabled, your
vehicle automatically closes the windows
when Model 3 locks.
NOTE: See Cold Weather Best Practices on
page 88 for information on preparing
windows for cold weather.
CAUTION: To avoid damage, windows
automatically lower slightly when you
open or close a door. If you manually
raise a window when the door is open,
ensure it is slightly lowered before
closing the door.
WARNING: Before closing a window, it
is the driver’s responsibility to ensure
that all occupants, especially children,
do not have any body parts extended
through the window’s opening. Failure
to do so can cause serious injury.
Locking Rear Windows
To prevent passengers from using the rear
window switches, touch Controls > Locks >
Window Lock. To unlock the rear windows,
touch Window Lock again.
WARNING: To ensure safety, it is
recommended that you lock the rear
window switches whenever children
are seated in the rear seats.
WARNING: Never leave children
unattended in Model 3.
Calibrating Windows
In the unlikely event that a window behaves
unexpectedly (touches the bright molding,
fails to open or close properly, goes down
more than normal when the door opens, etc.),
you can calibrate it to potentially fix the issue.
To calibrate a window:
1. Close the door with the aected window.
2. Sit in the driver's seat and close the driver
door.
3. Using the window's switch on the driver's
door, raise the aected window until it
stalls.
4. Using the window's switch on the driver's
door, lower the aected window until it
stalls.
5. Repeat step 3 and raise the aected
window until it stalls.
The window should now be calibrated. If the
issue continues after attempting the
calibration procedure a couple times, contact
Tesla.
Windows
15Opening and Closing

Opening
To open the rear trunk, ensure Model 3 is in
Park, then do one of the following:
• Touch the associated Open button on the
touchscreen.
• Double-click the rear trunk button on the
key fob.
• Touch the rear trunk button on the mobile
app.
• Press the switch located under the rear
trunk's exterior handle (a valid key must
be detected).
Model 3 must be unlocked or detect a key
before you can use the switch to open the
rear trunk.
When a door or trunk is
open, the touchscreen
displays the Door Open
indicator light. The image of
your Model 3 on the
touchscreen also displays
the open trunk.
You can stop a powered trunk (if equipped)
while it is moving by single-clicking the rear
trunk button on the key fob accessory. Then,
when you double-click the rear trunk button,
it moves again, but in the opposite direction
(provided it was not almost entirely open or
closed when you stopped it). For example, if
you single-click to stop the powered trunk
while it is opening, when you double-click, it
closes.
NOTE: In emergency situations, you can
override the open or close command for the
powered trunk (if equipped) by grabbing hold
and stopping it.
WARNING: Before opening or closing
the powered trunk (if equipped), it is
important to check that the
surrounding area is free of obstacles
(people and objects). You must
proactively monitor the trunk to
ensure that it does not come into
contact with a person or object.
Failure to do so may result in damage
or serious injury.
To open the rear trunk from inside the vehicle
in the unlikely situation that Model 3 has no
power, see Interior Emergency Trunk Release
on page 17.
Closing
To close the powered trunk (if equipped), do
one of the following:
• Touch the associated Close button on the
touchscreen.
• Press the switch located by the rear
trunk's exterior handle.
• Double-click the rear trunk button on the
key fob.
If the powered trunk senses an obstruction
when closing, it stops moving and sounds two
chimes. Remove the obstruction and try
closing it again.
WARNING: Before driving, ensure that
the trunk is securely latched in the
fully-closed position by lifting up on
the bottom edge and confirming there
is no movement.
Adjusting Opening Height of
Powered Trunk
You can adjust the opening height of the
powered trunk (if equipped) to make it easier
to reach or to avoid low-hanging ceilings or
objects (for example, a garage door or light):
Rear Trunk
16 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual

1. Open the trunk, then manually lower or
raise it to the desired opening height.
2. Press and hold the button on the
underside of the trunk for three seconds
until you hear a confirmation chime.
3. Confirm that you have set it to the desired
height by closing the powered trunk, then
reopening it.
Accessing the Cargo Area
To access the cargo area inside the rear trunk,
pull up the strap at the rear of the cargo
cover. You can then fold the cargo cover
forward or remove it from Model 3.
Secure all cargo before moving Model 3, and
place heavy cargo in the lower trunk
compartment.
Distribute cargo weight between the front
and rear trunks.
CAUTION: Never load more than 130
lbs (60 kg) in the upper compartment
of the rear trunk or more than 285 lbs
(130 kg) in the lower compartment.
Doing so can cause damage.
Interior Emergency Trunk
Release
An illuminated mechanical release located
inside the rear trunk allows you to open the
rear trunk from the inside if Model 3 has no
electrical power. This mechanical release also
allows a person locked inside to get out.
1. Firmly push the illuminated button in the
direction of the arrow to release the latch.
2. Push the rear trunk open.
NOTE: The button glows for several hours
after a brief exposure to ambient light.
WARNING: Do not allow children to
play inside the trunk or become
locked inside. An unrestrained child
could suer serious injury or death in
a crash. A child could suer heat
exhaustion if trapped in the vehicle,
especially without climate control on.
Rear Trunk
17Opening and Closing

Opening
To open the front trunk, ensure Model 3 is in
Park, and then do one of the following before
pulling the hood open:
• Touch the associated Open icon on the
touchscreen.
• Double-click the front trunk button on the
key fob.
• Touch the front trunk button in the mobile
app.
When a door or trunk is
open, the touchscreen
displays the Door Open
indicator light. The image of
your Model 3 on the
touchscreen also displays
the open front trunk.
WARNING: Before opening or closing
the hood, it is important to check that
the area around the hood is free of
obstacles (people and objects). Failure
to do so may result in damage or
serious injury.
The cargo weight should be distributed
between the front and rear trunks.
CAUTION: Never load more than
55 lbs (25 kg) in the front trunk. Doing
so can cause damage.
Closing
The Model 3 hood is not heavy enough to
latch under its own weight and applying
pressure on the front edge or center of the
hood can cause damage.
To properly close the hood:
1. Lower the hood until the striker touches
the latches.
2. Place both hands on the front of the hood
in the areas shown (in green), then press
down firmly to engage the latches.
3. Carefully try to lift the front edge of the
hood to ensure that it is fully closed.
CAUTION: To prevent damage:
• Apply pressure only to the green
areas shown. Applying pressure to
the red areas can cause damage.
• Do not close the hood with one
hand. Doing so applies
concentrated force in one area
and can result in a dent or crease.
• Do not apply pressure to the front
edge of the hood. Doing so can
crease the edge.
• Do not slam or drop the hood.
• To avoid scratches, don't have
anything in your hands (keys).
Jewelry can also cause scratches.
WARNING: Before driving, you must
ensure that the hood is securely
latched in the fully closed position by
carefully trying to lift the front edge of
the hood upward and confirming there
is no movement.
The front trunk locks when:
Front Trunk
18 MODEL 3 Owner's Manual