Loading...

NHTSA ID Number: 10250486

Manufacturer Communication Number: ManualF

TSB/Document Date: 2024-02-20


Summary

TeslaeBay logo does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner?s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner?s manual content for Model 3 vehicles converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA?s submission format requirements, it is the best available representative copy of owner?s manual content. However, a customer who accesses the owner?s manual via their vehicle?s touchscreen would only see the parts of this PDF file that are relevant to their vehicle.


detected.
• Traffic signs that do not conform to standard recognizable formats, such as digital or temporary speed signs.
• A road or a speed limit has recently changed.
WARNING: The list above does not represent an exhaustive list of situations that may interfere with proper
operation of Speed Assist. Speed Assist may fail to provide warnings for many other reasons.

Cabin Camera
Your Model 3 may be equipped with a cabin camera located above the rear view mirror.

The cabin camera (if equipped) is not currently active. If used in a future safety feature, TeslaeBay logo will notify you of its
availability through a software update.
The cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness and provide you with audible alerts, to remind you to keep
your eyes on the road when Autopilot is engaged.
By default, images and video from the camera do not leave the vehicle itself and are not transmitted to anyone,
including TeslaeBay logo, unless you enable data sharing. If you enable data sharing and a safety critical event occurs (such as
a collision), Model 3 shares short cabin camera video clips with TeslaeBay logo to help us develop future safety enhancements
and continuously improve the intelligence of features that rely on the cabin camera. Data may also be shared if
diagnostics are required on cabin camera functionality. Cabin camera does not perform facial recognition or any
other method of identity verification. To protect your privacy, cabin camera data is not associated with your vehicle
identification number.
To adjust your data sharing preferences touch Controls > Software > Data Sharing > Allow Cabin Camera Analytics.
You can change your data sharing settings at any time. To view features currently enabled that use cabin camera,
touch Controls > Software > Cabin Camera.

184

Owners Manual

NOTE: Keep the camera lens clean and free of obstructions. Remove any buildup of dirt or dust by occasionally
wiping the camera lens with a clean cloth.
CAUTION: Do not use chemical-based or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the camera
lens.

Dashcam, Sentry, and Security

185

Owners Manual
Safety & Security Settings
About the Security System
If Model 3 does not detect an authenticated phone or key and a locked door or trunk is opened, an alarm sounds.
The headlights and turn signals also flash. To deactivate the alarm, press any button on the mobile app or tap your
key card or key fob against the card reader located just below the Autopilot camera on the driver's side door pillar.
To manually enable or disable the alarm system, touch Controls > Safety > Security Alarm. When enabled, Model 3
activates its alarm one minute after you exit, the doors lock, and a recognized key is no longer detected.
A battery-backed siren (if equipped) sounds in situations where a locked door or trunk is opened and Model 3 does
not detect a key nearby. If you also want this siren to sound in situations where the vehicle detects motion inside the
cabin, enable Tilt/Intrusion (see Tilt/Intrusion (if equipped) on page 186).
NOTE: If Model 3 is in Sentry Mode (see How to Use Sentry Mode (Camera + App) on page 190), the Security Alarm
setting is not available.
Tilt/Intrusion (if equipped)

Depending on configuration, market region, and date of manufacture, your vehicle may not be equipped with this
feature.
The Security Alarm must be on to enable Tilt/Intrusion.
Tilt/Intrusion sounds the alarm in your vehicle if Model 3 detects motion inside the cabin, or is moved or tilted (for
example, with a tow truck or jack). To enable, touch Controls > Safety > Tilt/Intrusion.
The intrusion sensor automatically disables in situations where the climate control system is operating when you
leave your vehicle. To override, you can manually turn the Tilt/Intrusion Sensor on again after choosing Keep Climate
On, Dog, or Camp Mode.
The tilt/intrusion sensor automatically re-enables at the start of every drive cycle.
NOTE: The Tilt/Intrusion alarm must be turned off to use Cabin Overheat Protection (see Cabin Overheat Protection
on page 197).
NOTE: If you plan to leave something that moves inside your locked vehicle, remember to turn off Tilt/Intrusion. If
this setting is on, any motion detected inside Model 3 activates the intrusion alarm.
NOTE: If Model 3 is in Sentry Mode (see How to Use Sentry Mode (Camera + App) on page 190), the Tilt/Intrusion
setting is not available.
PIN to Drive
To increase security, you can prevent Model 3 from being driven until a 4-digit PIN (Personal Identification Number)
is entered. To enable this setting, touch Controls > Safety > PIN to Drive and follow the on-screen prompts to create
a driving PIN.
When enabled, in addition to entering the 4-digit driving PIN to drive, you must also use it to enter Valet mode for
the first time and create the 4-digit valet PIN to enter and exit Valet mode. In Valet mode, Model 3 can be driven
without the need for the valet to enter a driving PIN. The PIN to Drive setting is disabled whenever Valet mode is
active.
If you forget your driving PIN, touch the link to enter your TeslaeBay logo login credentials on the PIN to Drive popup, then
follow the on-screen prompts.
NOTE: In the unlikely event that your touchscreen is unresponsive, you may be unable to enter the PIN. In this case,
first try to restart the touchscreen (see Restarting the Touchscreen on page 7). If the touchscreen is still
unresponsive, you can still bypass PIN to Drive by turning on Keyless Driving in the Tesla mobile app.

186

Owners Manual
Glovebox PIN
For additional security, you can protect the contents in your glovebox with a 4-digit PIN. To enable this setting,
touch Controls > Safety > Glovebox PIN and follow the on-screen prompts. When enabled, you are prompted to
enter the PIN to open the glovebox. To disable this setting, select the toggle to disable and then enter the PIN.
If you forget your glovebox PIN, reset it by entering your Tesla login credentials, then follow the on-screen prompts.
NOTE: Using a Glovebox PIN allows the glovebox to be opened even when Model 3 is in Valet mode.
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 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.
Clear Browser Data
You can clear your vehicle's browser data (like you would on a computer or smartphone) by navigating to Controls >
Service > Clear Browser Data. This is useful for many situations, such erasing settings or searches from another
driver.
Check the boxes on the touchscreen popup to exclude bookmarks and/or history for your convenience.

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 bottombar for easy access
(see Customizing My Apps on page 6). When Model 3 is in Park, touching the Dashcam icon displays the Viewer (see
Viewing Video Recordings on page 192).

187

Owners Manual
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 192 for more information.
2. Insert the USB flash drive into your vehicle's USB port, preferably the one in the glovebox.
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.

188

Owners Manual
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 192 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 192 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.

189

Owners Manual
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 20).
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: When Sentry Mode is enabled, the Security Alarm settings (Controls > Safety > Security Alarm) are not
available.
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 beginning
approximately 2020 are equipped with a pre-formatted USB flash 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 192 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 192 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.
190

Owners Manual
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 210 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 (if equipped) on page
134), 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 196 for more information. This feature
is not supported in vehicles with Autopilot computer 2.0 or 2.5. Touch Controls > Software > Autopilot computer
to find out which computer your vehicle has.
191

Owners Manual
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 192 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.
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 the glovebox USB port (if equipped), otherwise use a front USB port in
the center console. 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 by touching Controls > Sentry.
Viewing Video Recordings
If footage is saved, you can view the clips on the touchscreen or a computer.
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.

192

Owners Manual
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 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

193

Owners Manual
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 BatteryeBay logo. 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 20).

NOTE: For one-touch access to seat heaters and defrosters, you can add these controls to My Apps. See
Customizing My Apps on page 6.
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 199).

194

Owners Manual
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 6).
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 6).
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 6).
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 196).
10. Touch to adjust how air flows from the front vents. See Ventilation on page 199.
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 231).
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 201 for
more information on preparing for cold weather.
17. Touch Auto to turn the Auto setting on or off.

195

Owners Manual
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 6.
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 190 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 190 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 > Software > 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
per day.

196

Owners Manual
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 85).
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
may decrease range.
NOTE: To enable Cabin Overheat Protection, Tilt/Intrusion must be turned off.
197

Owners Manual
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 125). 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 201 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 BatteryeBay logo.
• 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%.

198

Owners Manual
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.

199

Owners Manual

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 236.

200

Owners Manual
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.

1...910111213...26

SaleBestseller No. 1
TOPDON RLink J2534 Pass-Thru Programmer, OEM Reprogramming and Diagnostic Tool, Enhanced J2534 VCI, Supports J2534/D-PDU/CAN-FD/DoIP, Compatible with 18+ Vehicle Brands, No OE Software Provided
289 Reviews
TOPDON RLink J2534 Pass-Thru Programmer, OEM Reprogramming and Diagnostic Tool, Enhanced J2534 VCI, Supports J2534/D-PDU/CAN-FD/DoIP, Compatible with 18+ Vehicle Brands, No OE Software Provided
  • J2534 Pass-Thru Programmer: TOPDON RLink J2534 is an...
  • All-in-One OEM Diagnostics: This J2534 ECU programming tool...
  • Proven Performance You Can Trust: Backed by over 10000 real...
  • Integrated Excellence, Always Up-to-Date: Featuring the...
  • Efficiency Meets Versatility: Engineered to support three...
SaleBestseller No. 2
TOPDON RLink J2534 Reprogramming Tool, High-Speed J2534 Pass-Thru Programmer, OEM Reprogramming and Diagnostic Tool, Supports J2534/D-PDU/CAN-FD/DoIP, 17+ Vehicle Brands Supported
  • Advanced VCI Box, Industry-leading J2534 Pass-Thru...
  • High-Speed OEM-Level Diagnostics & Programming: Unlock true...
  • Coverage for 17 Car Brands & Ultra Reliability: Works...
  • User-Friendly RLink Platform & Expert Support: TOPDON’s...
  • 6.6 ft USB-C Cable & Portable Storage Case: The RLink J...

If the PDF is very large, it may not load in the preview below.

Download PDF [10.30 MB]


Some older TSBs had multiple PDFs — visit the NHTSA Website to view all PDFs.

If the TSB PDF does not show, download or view it on the NHTSA Website.

Click on the (+) Plus Sign

Then Click on Associated Document(s)


Search NHTSA Database for Recalls

View Latest Recalls


Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Investigations

View Latest Vehicle Investigations


Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Complaints

View Latest Vehicle Complaints


TSB/Document ID: ManualF

Replacement Service Bulletin Number:

MFR Communication Date: 2023-12-15

MFR Internal Campaign ID/Software Version:

Communication Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

NHTSA Components: EQUIPMENT

MFR Component System:

MFR Component Subsystem:


Previous TSB

Next TSB



Sale
THINKCAR Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool 689BT - All System Scan Tool with Bluetooth 5.0, 3000+ Active Tests,ECU Coding, 34+ Services, FCA, CAN-FD and DoIP, Wireless Update
108 Reviews
THINKCAR Bidirectional OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool 689BT - All System Scan Tool with Bluetooth 5.0, 3000+ Active Tests,ECU Coding, 34+ Services, FCA, CAN-FD and DoIP, Wireless Update
  • [Notice] When you receive a used device, it may be a customer return resold by Amazon without inspection. You can exchange it for a new one through Amazon. As this situation is unavoidable, we sincerely apologize. For any issues, contacting us via Amazon's "Messages" is the best way. THINKSCAN 689BT Bidirectional Scan Tool Can Be Used Immediately After It is Turned On, Without Complicated Registration Process, Which is More Convenient & Quick.
  • Full Bi-Directional Control & 3000+ Active Tests: Take control and test components like actuators, fuel injectors, relays, and cooling fans in real time. You’ll quickly see if the problem is in the part itself or the control module — saving you hours of guesswork and frustrating trial-and-error.
  • Advanced ECU Coding Capabilities: Handle module matching and hidden feature activation with confidence. When you replace an ECU or want to customize settings, this obd2 scanner diagnostic bi directional tool gives you the professional-level capabilities you need without the dealership price tag.
  • 34+ Useful Reset and Maintenance Functions: Complete everyday service tasks smoothly with a wide range of helpful reset and maintenance functions. Whether you’re keeping up with regular upkeep or tackling a specific job, this scanner makes maintenance simpler and less stressful for both DIYers and pros.
  • Comprehensive Full System Diagnostics: Diagnose every major system — Engine, Transmission, ABS, SRS, TPMS, and more — all in one place. Finally stop wondering if you’re missing something important; get the full picture and clear codes with ease.
Sale
XTOOL D7S Bidirectional Scan Tool, 2026 AI-Assisted OBD2 Scanner Diagnostic Tool with FCA AutoAuth, All System Car Scanner, 39+ Resets, ECU C0ding, PMI, Upgrade of D7, Crankshaft Relearn, CAN FD/DoIP
  • Top Reasons to Choose the D7S OBD2 Scanner: XTOOL D7S car scan tool, an upgrade of XTOOL D7, offers comprehensive features for automotive technicians, workshops, and DIY enthusiasts 1. Upgraded Hardware: 2+64GB memory, rear camera, intuitive interface, foldable bracket 2. Complete Diagnostics: FCAeBay logo Autoauth, OE-level all system scan, 39+ maintenance services, 4K+ bidirectional, CANFD/DoIP protocol 3. Advanced Capabilities: ECU c0ding, PMI functions 4. Wide Compatibility: Support 10,000+ models, covering 99% vehicle brands 5. Multi-language: Available in 22+ languages, No IP Restrictions 6. 3-Year Updates: Save 300 bucks on software updates for the latest features and optimizations
  • 2026 Upgraded D7S Car Scanner Features: The newly 2026 D7S V2.0 scanner for car brings exciting features for advanced vehicle diagnostics and enhanced user experience 1. FCAeBay logo AutoAuth: Now supports FCAeBay logo SGW module for ChryslereBay logo, for JeepeBay logo, for DodgeeBay logo (2018+), for FiateBay logo (2017+), enabling faster vehicle communication without gateway restrictions 2. PMI (Offline ECU Pr0gramming): Allows for FordeBay logo, for LincolneBay logo, and for MazdaeBay logo ECU pr0gramming for new modules 3. Optimized Diagnostic Report 2.0: Personalized reports with logos and customer info for auto shops. Note: Compatibility varies by cars, please check before order
  • 39+ Services/Resets/Adaptations/Relearns/Calibrations: XTOOL D7S full system car scanner diagnostic tool tackles 99% of common car issues through its 36+ special functions, including Oil Reset, EPB, SAS, BMS, Throttle Reset, Injector C0ding, ABS Bleed, TPMS Reset, Power Balance, etc and also covers specific-vehicle functions like Crank Sensor Relearn, ABS Initialization, Cylinder Power Balance, Fuel Trim Reset, Idle Relearn etc. This car diagnostic scanner enhances efficiency, making repairs and maintenance hassle-free. Tip: DO NOT for All vehicles, please check compatibility first
  • Cost-effective ECU C0ding Scan Tool for Specific Brands: Enhance your vehicle's performance with XTOOL D7S! This obd2 scanner all systems bidirectional offers advanced capabilities at an affordable price, supports online for BMWeBay logo, for Benz and offline for BENZ, for MIT, along with PMI functions for FordeBay logo, for MazdaeBay logo, and for LincolneBay logo. Ideal for technicians and DIY enthusiasts, this automotive scanner diagnostic tool optimizes vehicle performance and enhances the driving experience. Note: Not for all cars and modules, please send car VIN to check the compatibility before purchase
  • OE All System Diagnostic & 8 Pids Graphing: XTOOL D7S is a comprehensive all system bi directional obd2 scanner that delivers dealer-level diagnostics, completely controlling over your vehicle’s performance and health. This automotive scan tool can read and clear DTCs, view live data and ECU information, retrieve freeze frames, and perform active tests and full obd2 functions. This bi-directional scan tool can can identify your vehicle's make, model, and year information with just one click and show up to 8 PIDs live data with options for CSV viewing, playback, and recording for in-depth analysis. It is easy-to-use for both professionals and beginners, helping pinpoint issues efficiently
Engine Code Reader with 6 Resets ABS Bleeder/Oil/EPB/SAS/Throttle/Battery Scanner Diagnostic Tool for Vehicles Lifetime Free Update Auto VIN" data-aawp-geotargeting="true"> Sale
2026 BOSSCOMM IF745 Scanner Diagnostic Tool, Check Engine Code Reader with 6 Resets, ABS Bleeder/Oil/EPB/SAS/Throttle/Battery, Scanner Diagnostic Tool for Vehicles, Lifetime Free Update, Auto VIN
  • 【✅Compared to BOSSCOMM IF742, IF745 Offers Full-System Diagnostics】The BOSSCOMM IF745 car diagnostic scanner is an upgraded model of IF742. In addition to supporting all OBD2 Code Reader functions and 6 reset options (ABS/EPB/SAS/BMS/Oil/Throttle), it expands diagnostics from 4 systems (Check Engine/ABS/SRS/Transmission) to vehicle All systems, including Steering, Suspension, and Body Electronics. This provides deeper, more comprehensive diagnostic capabilities.
  • 【✨10 OBD2 Functions】The BOSSCOMM IF745 scan tool’s DTC Lookup instantly translates fault codes into user-friendly explanations, its I/M Readiness feature streamlines emissions testing with a single tap, and Freeze Frame lets you pinpoint the exact moment of a fault for in-depth root-cause diagnosis. Combined with a live data dashboard and advanced diagnostics (O2S, OBMon, EVAP), it delivers comprehensive insights for confident troubleshooting.
  • 【✨Deep Diagnostics for All Vehicle System Modules】Beyond code reading/clearing and ECU information retrieval, our all-in-one data stream feature lets you inspect all current fault codes and their locations across the vehicle’s systems. This vehicle code reader helps you turn off dashboard warning lights and perform a comprehensive self-check of your car at home—no more back-and-forth trips to the repair shop or hefty inspection fees.
  • 【✨6 Essential Resets: ABS Bleeding, Oil, EPB, SAS, Throttle, BMS】The BOSSCOMM IF745 obd2 scanner diagnostic tool swiftly purges air from brake lines to restore braking sensitivity, fine-tunes maintenance cycles to eliminate false alerts, resolves parking brake issues with one-click control, recalibrates steering sensors for stability, optimizes engine idling/acceleration for smoother performance, and deeply resets battery systems to extend lifespan and range via precise parameter adjustments.❗NOTE: Does NOT support bidirectional control, coding, or programming.​
  • 【✨10,000+ Car Models, AutoVIN, 13 Languages】The BOSSCOMM IF745 vehicle scanner diagnostic tool covers 73+ global car brands and offers support in 13 languages, making it perfect for DIYers, auto mechanics, or as a thoughtful gift. With a single-click AutoVIN feature, it instantly retrieves vehicle serial numbers, streamlining diagnostics for users globally. This adaptable tool balances user-friendliness with precision, catering to both personal and professional requirements.✅Unsure about compatibility? Compatibility will vary on vehicles' model and year, pls reach us via 📧 [email protected] 📧 before purchase.

This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.

Share to...