Speed Limit Mode
Speed Limit Mode allows you to limit acceleration and limit the maximum driving speed to a chosen value between
50 and 120 mph (80 and 193 km/h). The first time you use this feature, you must create a 4-digit PIN that you must
use to enable and disable Speed Limit Mode. When enabled and the driving speed approaches within approximately
3 mph (5 km/h) of the maximum speed, a chime sounds, the touchscreen displays a message, and Model 3 sends a
notification to the mobile app. You can also touch Security > Speed Limit Mode to enable from the Tesla mobile app.
To enable Speed Limit Mode:
1. Ensure Model 3 is in Park.
2. Touch Controls > Safety > Speed Limit Mode on the touchscreen.
3. Select the maximum driving speed.
4. Drag the slider to the On position.
5. Enter the 4-digit PIN that you want to use to enable and disable Speed Limit Mode.
NOTE: If you forget the PIN, you can disable Speed Limit Mode by entering login credentials for your Tesla
account.
NOTE: While Speed Limit Mode is enabled, the acceleration setting (Controls > Pedals & Steering > Acceleration)
automatically sets to Chill.
WARNING: Driving downhill can increase driving speed and cause Model 3 to exceed your chosen maximum
speed.
WARNING: Speed Limit Mode is not a replacement for good judgment, driver training, and the need to closely
monitor speed limits and driving conditions. Accidents occur at any speed.

Dashcam
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may
not be equipped with Dashcam or the features may not operate exactly as described. It is your sole responsibility to
consult and comply with all local regulations and property restrictions regarding the use of cameras.
Dashcam records video footage of your vehicle's surroundings when driving Model 3. Use Dashcam to record driving
incidents or other notable events, like you would for an external dashcam on other vehicles.
The Dashcam icon is located in the app launcher. You can add the Dashcam app to the bottom bar for easy access
(see Customizing My Apps on page 8). When Model 3 is in Park, touching the Dashcam icon displays the Viewer (see
Viewing Video Recordings on page 176).

To protect your privacy, video recordings are saved locally to a formatted USB flash drive's onboard memory.
Recordings are not sent to Tesla. Model 3 does not record videos when Dashcam is Off.
How to Use Dashcam
1. Format a USB flash drive. Dashcam requires a properly formatted USB drive inserted in your vehicle's USB port
(Tesla recommends using the glovebox USB port, if equipped) to store and retrieve footage. Vehicles
manufactured beginning approximately 2020 are equipped with a pre-formatted USB flash drive in the glove box.
There are two ways to format the flash drive:
◦ Insert the flash drive into the USB port and navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Model 3
automatically formats the flash drive for you.
◦ Format the flash drive on a computer.
See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on page 176 for more information.

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2. Insert the USB flash drive into your vehicle's USB port.
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.
3. Enable Dashcam by touching Controls > Safety > Dashcam. Dashcam allows you to choose how and when
footage is saved. You can choose between:
◦ Auto: Dashcam automatically saves a recording to the USB drive when Model 3 detects a safety-critical event,
such as a collision or airbag deployment. When Auto is selected, detection can vary and is subject to your
vehicle's power, sleep, and Autopilot state.
NOTE: Several factors determine whether Dashcam automatically saves a recording of a safety-critical event
(for example, amount of force, whether or not airbags deploy, etc.). Do not rely on Dashcam to automatically
record all safety-critical events.
◦ Manual: You must manually touch the Dashcam icon to save a recording of the most recent ten minutes of
footage.
◦ On Honk: When you press the horn, Dashcam saves a recording of the most recent ten minutes of footage. You
can enable this along with Auto or Manual.
4. Once enabled, the Dashcam icon indicates when footage is saved. You can also view the status of the Dashcam
icon in Controls:

The icon changes to show the status of Dashcam:
RECORDING: Dashcam is recording. To save video footage, touch the icon. To pause recording,
press and hold the icon.

PAUSED: Dashcam is paused. To resume recording, touch the icon. To avoid losing video footage,
pause Dashcam before removing the flash drive.

SAVED: Footage is saved. You can also save Dashcam clips by touching the Dashcam icon in the
app launcher while Driving.

NOTE: Once saved, Dashcam saves the last 10 minutes of footage.
5. Once your desired footage is saved, view the clips on the touchscreen or a computer:
◦ Touchscreen: Ensure Model 3 is in Park and touch the Dashcam icon in the app launcher. Videos are organized
by timestamp. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 176 for more information.
◦ Computer: Insert the USB flash drive into a computer and navigate to the TeslaCam folder. Videos are
organized by timestamp. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 176 for more information.
6. To turn Dashcam off, navigate to Controls > Safety > Dashcam > Off. If set to Auto, Manual, or On Honk, Dashcam
automatically enables every time you drive.

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Sentry Mode
NOTE: Depending on market region, vehicle configuration, options purchased, and software version, your vehicle may
not be equipped with Sentry Mode or the features may not operate exactly as described. It is your sole responsibility
to consult and comply with all local regulations and property restrictions regarding the use of cameras.
When enabled, your vehicle's cameras and sensors (if equipped) remain powered on and ready to record suspicious
activity around your vehicle when Model 3 is locked and in Park. Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle
security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby.
If a threat is detected, Sentry Mode pulses the headlights, sounds the alarm, and displays a message on the
touchscreen indicating that the cameras may be recording to inform individuals outside of the vehicle. You will
receive an alert on your phone through the mobile app and footage of the event is saved to USB drive (if installed).
Sentry Mode is disabled by default. You can use voice commands or the Tesla mobile app to easily enable or disable
Sentry Mode. To enable Sentry Mode using voice commands, say "Keep Tesla safe," "Keep my car safe," "Sentry on,"
or "Enable Sentry" (see Voice Commands on page 21).
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.
Sentry Mode requires your Battery to be at least 20% charged. If the Battery falls below 20%, Sentry Mode turns off
and the mobile app sends you a notification. Power consumption may increase when Sentry Mode is active.
NOTE: Software updates cannot be installed when Sentry Mode is turned on.
CAUTION: Do not rely on Sentry Mode to protect Model 3 from all possible security threats. Sentry Mode uses
many factors to determine whether to activate the security alarm. All impacts may not be detected and the
alarm may not activate in all situations. While it may help deter some threats, no security system can prevent
all attacks.
How to Use Sentry Mode (Camera + App)
1. Sentry Mode requires a properly formatted USB drive inserted in your vehicle's USB port (Tesla recommends
using the glovebox USB port, if equipped) to store and retrieve footage. Vehicles manufactured from
approximately 2020 are equipped with a pre-formatted USB drive in the glove box. There are two ways to format
the USB drive:
◦ Insert the USB drive into the USB port and navigate to Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. Your vehicle
automatically formats the USB drive for you.
◦ Format the USB drive on a computer
See USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos on page 176 for more information.
2. Insert the USB drive into the vehicle's USB port.
3. With your vehicle in Park, enable Dashcam by navigating to Controls > Safety > Dashcam.
4. Touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > On. Once enabled, the Sentry Mode icon in the Controls tab turns red.

NOTE: Rear camera recordings are available only on vehicles manufactured after approximately February 2018.
When enabled, Sentry Mode is idle, ready to sound the alarm and save a recording of the security event if
triggered. See Viewing Video Recordings on page 176 for information on viewing footage.
5. To silence the security alarm and audio system when the alarm is triggered, navigate to Controls > Safety >
Disable Sentry Sounds. When enabled, Sentry Mode still sends a notification through the mobile app and saves
the last 10 minutes footage.

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6. To manually enable/disable Sentry Mode until the next drive, touch the Sentry Mode icon in Controls. Sentry
Mode is Off when the icon is no longer red.

Turn Sentry Mode Off in Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode to disable for more than one drive cycle.
How to Use Sentry Mode (App Only)
When Sentry mode is enabled and a security event is detected but without a USB drive plugged into a USB port,
your vehicle alerts you through the mobile app, without any camera recordings.
Sentry Mode Settings
• Exclude specific locations
In Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode, you can determine if you want Sentry Mode to not enable in certain locations
(see Home, Work, and Favorite Destinations on page 192 for more information):
◦ Exclude Home: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at the location set as Home in your Favorites list.
◦ Exclude Work: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at the location set as Work in your Favorites list.
◦ Exclude Favorites: Sentry Mode does not automatically enable at any location in your Favorites list.
NOTE: To recognize a location listed as Home, Work, or a Favorite, Model 3 must be parked within
approximately 1,640 feet (500 meters) of the saved location.
To set up your Home or Work location, touch Navigate > Set Home/Set Work. To set up a Favorite, touch the star
when viewing an address on the map. Manually turning Sentry Mode on or off using the touchscreen or the
mobile app overrides your Home, Work, or Favorite exclusion preferences until the next time you drive.
• Set Camera-Based Detection
When Camera-Based Detection is enabled, Sentry Mode uses the vehicle’s external cameras in addition to vehicle
sensors to detect a security event while parked. If disabled, your vehicle only saves clips to the USB drive if a
physical threat is detected. To adjust, touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > Camera-Based Detection.
• View Live Camera
NOTE: View Live Camera requires premium connectivity and version 4.2.1 (or newer) of the Tesla mobile app
installed on a phone that has been paired as a key to Model 3.
When Sentry Mode is enabled, use the mobile app to remotely view the area surrounding Model 3 as seen
through the exterior cameras. To enable, touch Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode > View Live Camera via Mobile
App on the touchscreen to see what Sentry Mode records in real-time. Ensure there are no occupants in the
vehicle and all doors are locked. Then, on the mobile app, navigate to Safety > Sentry Mode > View Live Camera.
When View Live Camera is actively in use, Model 3 periodically flashes its exterior lights and displays a message
on the touchscreen to notify others that the area surrounding the vehicle is being viewed through the cameras.
View Live Camera is limited to approximately one hour (or 15 minutes for some regions) of cumulative usage per
day.
If Model 3 is equipped with a pedestrian warning speaker (see Pedestrian Warning System on page 121), you can
press and hold the microphone button on the mobile app to transmit your voice through this speaker.
You can also enable Dog Mode at the same time and switch the live camera view to see through the interior
camera on the mobile app. See Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp on page 180 for more information. This feature
is not supported in vehicles with Autopilot computer 2.0 or 2.5. Touch Controls > Service > Autopilot computer
to find out which computer your vehicle has.

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NOTE: If Dog and Sentry are enabled at the same time, Sentry defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds to protect your
pet.
NOTE: Video quality can vary depending on network connectivity. No audio is captured.
NOTE: The live camera feed is fully encrypted and cannot be accessed by Tesla.
See Viewing Video Recordings on page 176 for more information on viewing Sentry Mode footage.
NOTE: When the internal storage reaches full capacity, new recordings from Alert and Alarm events overwrite the
older recordings.

USB Drive Requirements for Recording Videos
NOTE: For some vehicles manufactured after approximately November 1, 2021, the center console USB ports may
only support charging devices. Tesla recommends using the USB port inside the glove box for all other functions.
NOTE: The ability to format, and view video footage on, USB drives may not be available on your vehicle depending
on date of manufacture and vehicle configuration.
Some features require you to use a USB drive (for example, Dashcam, Sentry Mode and Track Mode, if equipped)
that meet these requirements:
• Minimum storage capacity of 64 GB. Use a USB drive with as much available storage as possible. Video footage
can occupy a large amount of space.
• A sustained write speed of at least 4 MB/s. Note that sustained write speed differs from peak write speed.
• USB 2.0 compatible. If using a USB 3.0 drive, it must also support USB 2.0.
• Properly formatted (described below).
NOTE: In some market regions you can purchase recommended USB drives on http://www.tesla.com.
Automatically Formatting a USB Drive
Insert the USB drive into a front USB port and touch Controls > Safety > Format USB Drive. This automatically
formats the USB drive as exFAT and creates a folder for TeslaCam and TeslaTrackMode (if equipped). The USB drive
is now ready to record and save video footage.
Format USB Drive is available only when a USB drive (with one or fewer partitions) is inserted into a front USB port.
Choosing Format USB Drive erases any existing content on the USB drive—before using this feature, move any
content you want to keep to a different device.
Manually Formatting a USB Drive
If Model 3 is unable to format the USB drive, format it using a computer:
1. Format the USB drive as exFAT, MS-DOS FAT (for Mac), ext3, or ext4 (NTFS is currently not supported).
2. Create a base-level folder titled TeslaCam and for use with Track Mode (if equipped), create a base-level folder
called TeslaTrackMode. You can use one USB drive for Dashcam, Sentry Mode, Track Mode (if equipped),, and
audio files, but you must create separate partitions for each folder on an exFAT USB drive.
3. Once formatted, insert the USB drive into a front (or glovebox, if equipped) USB port. Do not use a rear USB port
because they can be used only to charge devices. It may take a few seconds for Model 3 to recognize the USB
drive.
4. Once recognized, ensure icons for Dashcam and Sentry Mode are available when you touch Controls. Model 3 is
now ready to record videos.
NOTE: You may need to first enable Sentry Mode (if equipped) by touching Controls > Sentry.
Viewing Video Recordings
If footage is saved, you can view the clips on the touchscreen or a computer.

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When the USB drive runs out of storage space, video footage can no longer be saved. To prevent the USB drive from
getting full, regularly move saved videos to another device and delete them from the USB drive.
Viewing on the Touchscreen

You can view recorded footage on the touchscreen when Model 3 is in Park. Touch the Dashcam icon located in the
app launcher, or the Dashcam icon on the Controls screen. Touch the menu icon in the top corner of the screen. The
tabs display a list of all video clips, organized by location and timestamp. Pause, rewind, fast forward, and delete
clips as needed.
Navigate to Controls > Safety > Delete Dashcam Clips to delete all Dashcam and Sentry Mode footage.
NOTE: Dashcam recording pauses when you launch the Viewer.
Viewing on a Computer

Insert the USB drive into a computer and navigate to the TeslaCam or TeslaTrackMode (if equipped) folder.
The TeslaCam folder contains sub-folders:
• Saved Clips: Contains all recordings that are saved using Dashcam.
• Sentry Clips: Contains recordings from all Sentry Mode security events. If storage space on the USB drive
becomes limited, the oldest Sentry Clips are deleted to provide space for new ones. Once deleted, you cannot
retrieve them.

Climate

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Operating Climate Controls
Overview of Climate Controls
Climate controls are available at the bottom of the touchscreen. By default, climate control is set to Auto, which
maintains optimum comfort in all but the most severe weather conditions. When you adjust the cabin temperature
while in the Auto setting, the system automatically adjusts the heating, air conditioning, air distribution, and fan
speed to maintain the cabin at your selected temperature.
Touch the displayed temperature at the bottom of the touchscreen to access the main climate controls screen,
where you can adjust your climate preferences. You can return to Auto at any time by touching Auto. Touch the
power button on the main climate controls screen to toggle on or off. For quick access to common controls, touch <
or > to display the climate popup.
While the cabin is warming up or cooling down, the fan speed may be reduced. The touchscreen displays Warming
Up or Cooling Down while getting to your preferred temperature.
NOTE: The climate control system is powered by the high voltage Battery. Therefore, prolonged use decreases
driving range.
WARNING: To avoid burns resulting from prolonged use, individuals who have peripheral neuropathy, or whose
capacity to feel pain is limited because of diabetes, age, neurological injury, or some other condition, should
exercise caution when using the climate control system and seat heaters.
Adjusting Climate Control Settings
NOTE: Easily adjust your climate preferences, such as turning on the seat heater or changing the cabin temperature,
hands-free by using voice commands (see Voice Commands on page 21).

NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See
Customizing My Apps on page 8.
1. Touch to turn the climate control system on or off.
2. Touch to adjust the climate settings for the front cabin.
3. Choose where air flows into the front cabin (windshield, face-level, or foot-level vents). You can choose one or
more vents.
4. Touch to adjust the climate settings for the rear cabin. If set to Auto, the rear vents turn on automatically when
the front climate system is on and a passenger is detected (see Ventilation on page 183).

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5. Touch the driver's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the driver. The seat operates at three levels from 3
(highest) to 1 (lowest). The seat icon displays twisting lines that turn red (heating) corresponding with the set
level. Auto, which displays when the climate control system is set to Auto, warms the front seats based on cabin
temperature. For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's bottom bar (see
Customizing My Apps on page 8).
6. Touch to control the heated steering wheel, if equipped. The icon displays red twisting lines that correspond to
the set level. If set to Auto, the steering wheel is heated as needed, based on cabin temperature, whenever the
climate control system is set to Auto. For one-touch access, you can add this control to the touchscreen's bottom
bar (see Customizing My Apps on page 8).
7. Touch to turn on the wiper defrosters (if equipped). Wipers defrost for 30 minutes then turn off automatically.
8. Touch the passenger's side seat icon to adjust seat heaters for the front passenger. The seat operates at three
levels from 3 (highest) to 1 (lowest). The seat icon displays twisting lines that turn red (heating) to corresponding
with the set level. Auto, which displays when the climate control system is set to Auto, warms the front seats
based on cabin temperature. For one-touch access to seat heaters, you can add them to the touchscreen's
bottom bar (see Customizing My Apps on page 8).
9. When in Park, these settings display to allow you to keep the climate control system operating, even when you
leave Model 3 (see Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp on page 180).
10. Touch to adjust how air flows from the front vents. See Ventilation on page 183.
11. When Model 3 is in Park, touch Schedule to set a recurring daily time when you want Model 3 to be ready to drive
by preconditioning the Battery and cabin climate and/or charging during off-peak hours (see Scheduled
Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 213).
12. Touch to control the flow of air inside the cabin. Air can be drawn into Model 3 from outside or air can be
recirculated inside the cabin.
13. Use the slider to adjust the fan speed. When in Auto, the fan speed levels change to Low/ Medium/ High.
NOTE: Adjusting the fan speed may change the selected setting for how air is drawn into Model 3 in order to
increase or reduce air flow.
14. Touch to turn the air conditioning system on or off. Turning it off reduces cooling, but saves energy.
NOTE: Because Model 3 runs much quieter than a gasoline-powered vehicle, you may notice the sound of the air
conditioning compressor as it is operating. To minimize noise, reduce the fan speed.
15. Touch to warm up the rear windshield. After 15 minutes, the rear window defroster automatically turns off. The
exterior side mirrors are also heated whenever the rear window defroster is operating.
16. The windshield defroster distributes air flow to the windshield. Touch once to defog the windshield (the icon turns
blue). Touch a second time to defrost the windshield. Touch a third time to turn off and restore the air
distribution, heating, and fan to their previous settings. In cold ambient temperatures, the exterior side mirrors are
also heated whenever the windshield defroster is operating. See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 185 for
more information on preparing for cold weather.
17. Touch Auto to turn the Auto setting on or off. When in Auto, the fan speed may automatically lower to reduce the
sound of ambient noise while on a call. For more information, see Phone, Calendar, and Web Conferencing on
page 79.

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Climate Popup
Touch the temperature arrows on the bottom of the touchscreen to display a popup for easy access to some of the
most common climate controls:

NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See
Customizing My Apps on page 8.
1. Touch to access the main climate controls screen.
2. Enable or disable heated seats.
3. Enable or disable the front or rear windshield defrosters.
4. Modify the cabin temperature by dragging the slider. You can also enable temperature splitting which allows the
driver and front passenger to customize their own climate preferences. The front passenger can touch the
temperature icon on the bottom of the touchscreen or the main climate controls screen to adjust. Touch Split
again to disable climate splitting.
Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp
The Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp settings allow you to keep the climate control system running when in Park,
even after you've left Model 3 or choose to stay inside the vehicle. These settings are useful when it is important to
maintain the cabin temperature in hot or cold weather conditions. For example, when leaving groceries in Model 3 on
hot days, you may want to use Keep Climate On to prevent spoilage.
Dog is designed to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature for your pet while you actively and frequently monitor
this temperature using the mobile app (which requires both your phone and the vehicle to have cellular
connectivity). When in Dog, the touchscreen displays the current cabin temperature to inform people passing by
that your pet is safe. This setting is not intended for people, and should only be used for short periods of time while
you stay in close proximity should you need to return to the vehicle in situations where the temperature can no
longer be maintained.
NOTE: To avoid accidentally pressing the window switch (such as your dog stepping on it), the windows cannot be
rolled down while Dog is enabled.
NOTE: If Dog and Sentry are enabled at the same time, Sentry defaults to Disable Sentry Sounds to protect your
pet. See Sentry Mode on page 174 for more information.
Live Camera view is now available if Sentry Mode or Dog Mode, or both, are enabled. When Sentry Mode is on, the
cameras show a live view of the vehicle's surroundings. When Dog Mode is on, the interior cabin camera shows the
inside of the vehicle so you can check on your pet at any time. If both are enabled, switch the camera views by
touching the gray circles or the interior icon that correspond to different cameras on the mobile app. See Sentry
Mode on page 174 for more information.
NOTE: Enabling the interior cabin camera for Dog or Sentry Mode requires the mobile app version 4.15.0 or higher.
This feature is not supported in vehicles with Autopilot computer 2.0 or 2.5. Touch Controls > Service > Autopilot
computer to find out which computer your vehicle has.
NOTE: View Live Camera is limited to approximately one hour (or 15 minutes for some regions) of cumulative usage
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Camp allows you to power electronics through the USB ports and low voltage outlet in addition to maintaining the
cabin temperature. The touchscreen remains on so you can play music, browse the internet, play games in the
arcade, or watch shows in Tesla Theater. You can also control media and climate settings from a paired phone. Camp
is ideal for remaining inside your vehicle, such as camping or staying with a child. While active, Sentry Mode and the
vehicle alarm system are disabled. Walk-Away Door Lock is inactive.
To operate Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp:
1. Make sure the Battery's charge level is at least 20%.
2. Engage Park. The Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp settings are available only when Model 3 is in Park.
3. If necessary, adjust the climate settings.
4. On the climate controls screen, touch Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp.
NOTE: You can also control Dog and Camp from the mobile app, by swiping up from the gray bar on the Climate
screen.
The climate control system attempts to maintain your climate settings until you shift out of Park or manually turn it
off. Avoid using Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp when the Battery's charge level is low. If the Battery's charge level
drops below 20%, the Tesla mobile app attempts to repeatedly send notifications reminding you to check on
anything that you have left in Model 3.
NOTE: Software updates cannot be performed when Keep Climate On, Dog, or Camp is active.
WARNING: Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.
WARNING: Check local laws for any restrictions on leaving pets unattended in your vehicle.
WARNING: You are responsible for the safety of your dog or pet. Never leave them in Model 3 for long periods
of time. Constantly monitor the vehicle temperature and their well-being. Make sure you have sufficient cellular
coverage on your phone and time to return to the vehicle, if necessary.
WARNING: In the unlikely event that your climate control system needs service or is not working as expected,
avoid using Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp. Never rely on your vehicle to protect something irreplaceable.
WARNING: You can adjust and monitor the climate control system remotely using the mobile app. However, if
you use the mobile app to turn off the climate control system, Keep Climate On, Dog, and Camp stop
operating.
Cabin Overheat Protection
Cabin Overheat Protection prevents the cabin from getting too hot in scorching ambient conditions. While not
necessary to activate whenever you leave Model 3, the climate control system can reduce and maintain the
temperature of your vehicle’s cabin. This can prevent the cabin from getting too hot after leaving it parked in the
sun, making the vehicle more comfortable when you return. Cabin Overheat Protection may take up to 15 minutes to
enable once you exit the vehicle. This feature is intended for passenger comfort and has no impact on the reliability
of your vehicle's components.
To turn on, touch Controls > Safety > Cabin Overheat Protection and choose:
• On: The air conditioning operates when the cabin temperature exceeds 105° F (40° C), or the selected
temperature if available, on the touchscreen or mobile app. Customizing temperatures may require the most
recent version of the mobile app.
• No A/C: Only the fan operates to prevent touch surfaces from getting too hot.
• Off: Disables Cabin Overheat Protection.
You can also enable Cabin Overheat Protection remotely through the mobile app by touching Climate. Swipe up on
the bottom menu and select a setting under Cabin Overheat Protection (see Mobile App on page 73).
Cabin Overheat Protection operates until 12 hours has elapsed once you exit Model 3, or until the Battery energy
drops below 20%, whichever comes first. Using Cabin Overheat Protection requires energy from the Battery, which
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WARNING: Due to automatic shut-off, extreme outside conditions, or other potential inability to maintain the
selected temperature, the inside of the vehicle can become dangerously hot, even when Cabin Overheat
Protection is enabled. If you experience temperatures exceeding the selected temperature repeatedly, contact
Tesla service.
WARNING: Never leave children or pets in the vehicle unattended. Due to automatic shut-off or extreme
outside conditions, the inside of the vehicle can become dangerously hot, even when Cabin Overheat
Protection is enabled.
Climate Control Operating Tips
• When you use the mobile app to turn on the climate control system, it automatically turns off when the charge
level drops to 20%, or if two hours has passed. To cool or heat the cabin for a longer period of time, charge the
vehicle and re-enable your climate control preference through the mobile app.
• You may hear the sound of the climate system inside the cabin of Model 3 when Parked. It makes a low fan noise.
The climate system attempts to dry itself out to minimize additional moisture or musty odors. This is a normal
operation and not a cause for concern.
• If your vehicle is equipped with a heat pump (to determine if your vehicle has a heat pump, touch Controls >
Software > Additional Vehicle Information), you can improve the efficiency of the cabin heating by reducing your
selected acceleration mode (see Acceleration Modes on page 112). This allows the heat pump system to take more
heat from the Battery to efficiently heat the cabin, instead of maintaining the Battery's ability to provide peak
acceleration performance. This helps to maximize driving efficiency in colder weather. Note that when
subsequently increasing the acceleration mode, the Battery requires time to warm up before the increased level
of acceleration is available.
• Your charge port latch may freeze in extremely cold weather or icy conditions. In cases where you cannot remove
or insert the charge cable, or your vehicle is not Supercharging due to the latch being frozen in place, enable
Defrost Car in the mobile app. This helps thaw ice on the charge port latch so the charge cable can be removed
or inserted. See Cold Weather Best Practices on page 185 for more information.
• If the climate control system is louder than you prefer, manually reduce the fan speed.
• In addition to cooling the interior, the air conditioning compressor also cools the Battery. Therefore, in hot
weather, the air conditioning compressor can turn on even if you turned it off. This is normal because the system’s
priority is to cool the Battery to ensure it stays within an optimum temperature range to support longevity and
optimum performance.
• Even when not in use, you may hear Model 3 emit a whining noise or the sound of water circulating. These sounds
are normal and occur when the internal cooling systems turn on to support various vehicle functions, such as
maintaining the low voltage battery and balancing the temperature of the high voltage Battery.
• To ensure the climate control system operates efficiently, close all windows and ensure that the exterior grille in
front of the windshield is free of ice, snow, leaves, and other debris.
• In very humid conditions, it is normal for the windshield to fog slightly when you first turn on the air conditioning.
• It is normal for a small pool of water to form under Model 3 when parked. Extra water produced by the
dehumidifying process is drained underneath.
• Model 3 is designed to automatically maximize efficiency; therefore, your air conditioning compressor and
external fan may run and make noise even when the outside temperature is cold and your vehicle is heating or
supercharging.
• To reduce the temperature in the cabin in hot weather conditions, the fan may turn on to vent the cabin when the
vehicle is parked. This occurs only if the battery's charge level is above 20%.

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Ventilation
Adjusting the Front Vents
Model 3 has a unique horizontal face-level vent that spans the width of the dashboard. Using the touchscreen, you
can pinpoint exactly where you want to direct the air flowing from this vent when heating or cooling the front cabin
area.

1. Driver vent and controls
2. Passenger vent and controls
When the face-level vent is on you can adjust the direction of the air flow from each vent. To adjust the direction of
the air flow, simply touch the radiating air waves from the corresponding vent on the touchscreen. The air flows in a
single stream when centered or splits into mirrored air streams when air is directed outward or inward from the
center of the vent.
NOTE: You can direct the face-level vents toward the windows to help defrost or defog them.
NOTE: When you split a vent into two separate air flows, the air flow in each direction is not as strong as when all air
is flowing in a single direction.
NOTE: Outside air is drawn into Model 3 through the grill in front of the windshield. Keep the grill clear of
obstructions, such as leaves and snow.
Adjusting the Rear Vents
Model 3 has vents located at the back of the center console where air flows from when the setting is turned on from
the touchscreen. To direct the flow of air in the rear cabin area, adjust the vents at the rear of the center console up,
down, or from side to side as necessary.

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Cabin Air Filter(s)
Model 3 has one or more air filters to prevent pollen, industrial fallout, road dust and other particles from entering
through the vents.
NOTE: Cabin air filter(s) require periodic replacement. See Service Intervals on page 218.

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Cold Weather Best Practices
To ensure that Model 3 provides you with the best ownership experience possible in harsh cold weather conditions,
follow these best practices.
Before Driving
When snow and ice accumulate on your vehicle, moving parts, such as the door handles, windows, mirrors, and
wipers can freeze in place. To achieve maximum range and performance, it is helpful to warm the cabin and Battery
before you leave. There are several ways to do so:
• Touch Schedule, available on both the charging and climate control screens, to set a time when you want your
vehicle to be ready to drive (see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 213).
• In the mobile app, navigate to Climate to customize the temperature at which you want to heat the cabin. This
also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.
• In the mobile app, navigate to Climate > Defrost Car to melt snow, ice, and frost on the windshield, windows, and
mirrors. This also warms the high voltage Battery as needed.
NOTE: Tesla recommends activating climate settings at least 30-45 minutes before departure (see Operating
Climate Controls on page 178). Preconditioning times depend on outside temperature and other factors. The
mobile app will notify you once your vehicle has reached the desired preconditioning temperature.
Charge Port

• If your charge port latch freezes in place and a charging cable becomes stuck in the charge port, try manually
releasing the charge cable. See Manually Releasing Charge Cable on page 211.
• In extremely cold weather or icy conditions, it is possible that your charge port latch may freeze in place. Some
vehicles are equipped with a charge port inlet heater that turns on when you turn on the rear defrost in cold
weather conditions. You can also thaw ice on the charge port latch by enabling Defrost Car on the mobile app.
NOTE: You can also prevent the occurrence of a charge port latch freezing in place by using the Schedule settings
(see Scheduled Charging and Scheduled Departure on page 213).
NOTE: If your charge port latch is frozen in place, it may not lock the charging cable in place when inserted, but it
can still charge at a slow AC rate even if the latch is not engaged.
Charging

By using Trip Planner (if available in your market region) to navigate to a Tesla charging location, Model 3 pre-heats
the high voltage battery to ensure when you arrive at the charger, the temperature of the battery is optimal and
ready to charge. This reduces the amount of time it takes to charge. See (see Trip Planner on page 195).
NOTE: Tesla recommends using Trip Planner to navigate to a charging location for at least 30-45 minutes before
arrival to ensure optimal battery temperature and charging conditions. If the drive to the charging location is less
than 30-45 minutes, consider preconditioning the battery before driving (see Before Driving on page 185).
NOTE: The thermal system may produce steam under certain conditions if your vehicle is equipped with a heat
pump (to determine if your vehicle has a heat pump, touch Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information).
For example, odorless steam can come from the front of your vehicle while charging at a Supercharger in cold
temperature. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
Windows

• In the mobile app, go to Climate, swipe up from the bottom and select Defrost Car, which helps melt snow, ice,
and frost on the windshield, windows, and mirrors.
• In cold temperatures, Model 3 automatically makes a slight adjustment to the position of the windows to make it
easier to open doors.
NOTE: Always connect to an external, low voltage power supply before opening a door when the vehicle has no
power to avoid breaking a window.

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• Use the mobile app to schedule a service appointment for Tesla to provide hydrophobic coating to the side and
rear windows (not the front) for a nominal fee.
Doors

In severe winter conditions, ice buildup can make it more difficult to open door handles. You can use the mobile app
to pop open the driver door in this situation.
1. In the mobile app, touch and hold any of the four quick control buttons and follow the instructions to customize
quick controls with Unlatch Door.
2. When you are next to your car, touch Unlatch Door to pop open the driver door.
Removing Ice From Door Handle

In severe winter conditions, ice buildup within the door handle can prevent the door handle from opening. The
process for freeing a Model 3 door handle is slightly different than others to remove ice buildup.
NOTE: Preemptively applying WD-40 to the door handle pivot pins can help prevent ice buildup inside your door
handle.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to use tools or excessive force to release the door handle from ice buildup.
If your vehicle's door handles are black: Perform the following to remove ice from the door handle:
1. Forcefully press the frontmost part of the door handle. It will rock slightly inward to help break the ice.

2. Press the rearmost part of the door handle to try to open as you normally would.
3. Once the door handle is able to move, open and close it a few more times to release any remaining ice buildup.
Make sure the door handle is fully pressed in (retracted) prior to entering the vehicle, and check that the door is
fully closed before driving away.
If your vehicle's door handles are silver: You can usually remove the ice with a few forceful bumps to the door
handle using the bottom of your fist. Perform the following to remove ice from the door handle:
CAUTION: Remove any jewelry or objects that can damage the paint prior to performing the procedure, and
do not attempt to use tools or excessive force.
1. Forcefully press the rearmost part of the door handle to try to open the door handle.
2. Working in a circular pattern around the perimeter of the door handle, use the bottom of your fist to forcefully
bump the door handle to break and release the ice buildup.
3. Aiming for the rearmost end of the wide part of the door handle, use the bottom of your fist to forcefully bump
the door handle. Increase the intensity of the bumps as necessary, repeating steps 1 through 3 until the ice is
removed and the door handle can be opened.
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CAUTION: Never bump the vehicle so hard as to cause a dent; the force used should be similar to knocking
on your neighbor’s front door.
4. Once the door handle is able to move, open and close it a few more times to release any remaining ice buildup.
Make sure the door handle is fully pressed in (retracted) prior to entering the vehicle, and check that the door is
fully closed before driving away.
Mirrors

If ice buildup is expected when parking, turn off Auto-Fold Mirrors. Touch Controls > Auto-Fold. Ice can prevent
exterior side mirrors from folding or unfolding.
NOTE: Side mirrors automatically heat as needed during preconditioning, or when the rear defroster is turned on.
Wipers

If you expect snow or ice to build up when parked, touch Controls > Service > Wiper Service Mode. This raises
wipers against the windshield so they can defrost when the windshield defrosts (see Wipers and Washers on page
99). You can also turn on wiper defrosters (if equipped). See Operating Climate Controls on page 178.
Tires and Tire Chains

• Use winter tires to increase traction in snowy or icy conditions. You can purchase winter tires on http://
www.tesla.com (see Seasonal Tire Types on page 243).