Owner's Guide

Model 3 and using the touchscreen while
parked and plugged in, Model 3 draws energy
from the wall outlet instead of the Battery.
Caution: The connector end of the charge
cable can damage the paint if dropped
onto the vehicle.
During Charging
During charging, the charge port light (the
Tesla "T" logo) pulses green, and the
touchscreen displays the charging status. The
frequency at which the charge port light
pulses slows down as the charge level
approaches full. When charging is complete,
the light stops pulsing and is solid green.
Note: If Model 3 is locked, the charge port
light does not light up.
If the charge port light turns red while
charging, a fault is detected. Check the
touchscreen for a message describing the
fault. A fault can occur due to something as
common as a power outage. If a power outage
occurs, charging resumes automatically when
power is restored.
Note: When charging, particularly at high
currents, the refrigerant compressor and fan
operate as needed to keep the Battery cool.
Therefore, it is normal to hear sounds during
charging.
Note: Air conditioning performance is
generally not aected by charging. However,
under certain circumstances (for example, you
are charging at high currents during a
particularly warm day), the air coming from
the vents may not be as cool as expected and
a message displays on the touchscreen. This is
normal behavior and ensures that the Battery
stays within an optimum temperature range
while charging to support longevity and
optimum performance.
Warning:
Never spray liquid at a high
velocity (for example, if using a pressure
washer) towards the charge port while
charging. Failure to follow these
instructions can result in serious injury or
damage to the vehicle, charging
equipment, or property.
Stopping Charging
Stop charging at any time by disconnecting
the charge cable or touching Stop Charging
on the touchscreen.
Note: To prevent unauthorized unplugging of
the charge cable, the charge cable latch
remains locked and Model 3 must be unlocked
or able to recognize your authenticated phone
before you can disconnect the charge cable.
However, in cold ambient temperatures below
41° F (5° C), the charge port remains unlocked
whenever the vehicle is not charging, even
when Model 3 is locked.
To disconnect the charge cable:
1. Press and hold the button on the
connector handle to release the latch.
Alternatively, unlock the vehicle by
opening a door, using a key card or key
fob, or touching Stopping Charging on the
touchscreen (see Charging Status and
Settings on page 126). These methods
unlock the charge port as well.
2. Pull the connector from the charge port.
Note: The charge port automatically closes
within approximately 10 seconds of removing
the connector from the charge port.
Caution: Tesla strongly recommends
leaving Model 3 plugged in when not in
use. This maintains the Battery at the
optimum level of charge.
Manually Releasing Charge Cable
If the usual methods for releasing a charge
cable from the charge port (using the charge
handle release button, touchscreen, or mobile
app) do not work, carefully follow these steps:
1. Ensure that Model 3 is not actively
charging by displaying the charging
screen on the touchscreen. If necessary,
touch Stop Charging.
2. Open the rear trunk.
3. Pull the charge port's release cable
downwards to unlatch the charge cable.
Note: The release cable may be recessed
within the opening of the trim.
Charging Instructions
Charging 125