Manuals+

Tesla Model 3 Emergency Response Guide

This guide is intended for trained and certified emergency and first responders who have the necessary training and certification to understand the safety systems and safely handle emergency situations. This guide provides specific information required to understand and safely handle the all-electric Model 3 during an emergency. It describes the location and explanation of Model 3 identification, high-voltage components, airbags, inflation cylinders, seatbelt pretensioners, and high-strength materials used in the vehicle structure. This document explains high-voltage disabling procedures and safety precautions for the Model 3. Always follow the recommended actions and procedures to avoid serious injury or death.

The primary power source is the high-voltage battery. The Model 3 does not have a conventional gasoline or diesel engine and therefore does not have a fuel tank. Images in this guide may not match the vehicle in question.

Important Safety Instructions

This document contains important instructions and warnings for handling the Model 3 in an emergency. Note: Diagrams in this document show left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles in North America. Unless otherwise stated, assume right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles have mirrored positions. Note: The Model 3 is equipped with airbags only in North America.

Warnings

Vehicle Identification

Badges and Door Handles

The Model 3 can be identified by its Tesla badge and distinctive door handles.

Note: Some Model 3 vehicles may have a "DUAL MOTOR" badge on the right rear side of the trunk, indicating all-wheel drive.

The Tesla logo is present on the front and rear of the vehicle, as well as on the door handles and wheels.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The Model 3 can be identified by its VIN. The VIN is located on the identification plate on the upper part of the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver's side. The Model 3 can be identified by the "3" in the fourth character of the alphanumeric sequence.

Touchscreen

The Model 3 can be identified by its 15-inch (38 cm) horizontally mounted touchscreen.

High-Voltage Components

The Model 3 is equipped with several high-voltage components:

The high-voltage cables are indicated in orange.

High-Voltage Battery

The Model 3 is equipped with a 400-volt lithium-ion high-voltage battery mounted in the floor. Exercise caution not to damage this high-voltage battery when lifting the underside of the vehicle. When using rescue tools, pay special attention not to damage the floor pan. Refer to the instructions on page 23 for proper vehicle lifting.

Note: The diagram below represents a dual-motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit will be similar.

The high-voltage battery is located along the entire length of the vehicle's floor.

High-Voltage Cables

High-voltage cables are indicated in orange.

Note: The diagram below represents a dual-motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit will be similar.

The orange cables run throughout the vehicle, connecting the high-voltage battery to the drive units and other components.

Drive Unit

The rear drive unit is located between the rear wheels. The front drive unit (if equipped) is located between the front wheels. The drive units convert direct current (DC) from the high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current (AC) that the drive units use to power the wheels.

Note: The diagram below represents a dual-motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit will be similar.

The drive units are the orange components located near the front and rear axles.

12V Battery

In addition to the high-voltage system, the Model 3 has a low-voltage electrical system. Its 12V battery powers the SRS, airbags, windows, door locks, touchscreen, and interior and exterior lights. The high-voltage system charges the 12V battery, and the 12V battery supplies power to the high-voltage contactors, allowing high-voltage current to flow through the high-voltage battery. The 12V battery, indicated by a red line, is located under the hood and a plastic access panel.

Note: The diagram below represents a dual-motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit will be similar.

The 12V battery is located in the front of the vehicle, under the hood.

Stabilizing the Vehicle

Chock All Four Wheels

Do not assume the Model 3 is not moving when the power is off, as it moves silently. The driver can set whether the Model 3 "creeps" when the gear is engaged in Drive. If this setting is off, the Model 3 will not move unless the accelerator pedal is pressed, even when the gear is in Drive or Reverse. However, do not assume the Model 3 will not move in this case. Always chock the tires when parked.

Red triangular chocks are shown placed securely behind the front and rear wheels.

Engage Park

Do not assume the Model 3 is not moving when the power is off, as it moves silently. If the gear is in Drive or Reverse, the Model 3 will accelerate immediately with even slight pressure on the accelerator pedal. To ensure the parking brake is engaged, press the button at the end of the gear selector to switch to Park. When the Model 3 is in Park, the parking brake automatically engages, and "P" is displayed on the touchscreen.

The gear selector is shown with the button at the end being pressed to engage Park.

Disabling the High-Voltage System

Power Disconnect Loop

The power disconnect loop is a constant voltage harness. Cutting this power disconnect loop will disable the high-voltage system outside the high-voltage battery and deactivate the SRS and airbag components. Refer to "Cutting the Power Disconnect Loop" on page 13 for access and cutting procedures.

Note: The diagram below represents a dual-motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit will be similar.

Warning: Regardless of the disabling procedure, always assume all high-voltage components are energized. To prevent serious injury or death, do not cut, damage, or contact high-voltage components.

The diagram shows the location of the power disconnect loop, highlighted in red.

Cutting the Power Disconnect Loop

When cutting the high-voltage disconnect loop, cut at two locations and remove all cut portions. This prevents accidental contact with the wiring.

  1. Open the hood. Refer to "Opening the Hood" on page 27 for instructions.
  2. Pull the access panel upwards, releasing the clips holding the panel, and remove the access panel.
  3. Cut the high-voltage disconnect loop (red portion) at two locations.

The images show the process of opening the hood, removing an access panel, and cutting the high-voltage disconnect loop.

Airbags and Components

Airbags

Airbags are located as shown in the diagram below. Warnings regarding airbags are displayed on the sun visors.

Note: The Model 3 is designed so that all components and cables outside the high-voltage battery are de-energized when the airbags deploy. Note: North American left-hand drive vehicle shown. For right-hand drive vehicles, the airbag positions for the passenger and driver will be reversed.

  1. Knee Airbag (North American specification only)
  2. Front Airbag
  3. Seat-mounted Side Airbag
  4. Curtain Airbag

Warning: SRS control units have backup power with a discharge time of approximately 10 seconds. Do not touch SRS control units for 10 seconds after airbags or pretensioners have deployed.

The diagram illustrates the locations of the various airbags within the vehicle.

Airbag Inflation Cylinders

The airbag inflation cylinders, indicated in red, are located from near the roof towards the rear of the vehicle.

Warning: SRS control units have backup power with a discharge time of approximately 10 seconds. Do not touch SRS control units for 10 seconds after airbags or pretensioners have deployed.

The diagram shows the locations of the airbag inflation cylinders, highlighted in blue.

Seatbelt Pretensioners

The seatbelt pretensioners, indicated in red, are located at the base of the B-pillar.

Warning: SRS control units have backup power with a discharge time of approximately 10 seconds. Do not touch SRS control units for 10 seconds after airbags or pretensioners have deployed.

The diagram shows the locations of the seatbelt pretensioners, highlighted in purple.

Reinforcements and Ultra-High Strength Steel

The Model 3 is reinforced to protect occupants during a collision. Use appropriate tools to cut or break through these areas. Reinforcement areas are shown in blue-green in the diagram below.

The diagrams illustrate the reinforced structural areas of the Model 3 in blue-green.

Cut Prohibited Zones

The Model 3 has areas defined as "Cut Prohibited Zones" due to the presence of high voltage, gas struts, SRS components, or other hazards. Never cut or damage these zones. Failure to comply may result in serious injury or death. "Cut Prohibited Zones" are indicated in pink.

Note: The diagram below represents a dual-motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit will be similar.

The diagrams highlight the "Cut Prohibited Zones" in pink.

Submerged Vehicles

Submerged Vehicles

Handle a submerged Model 3 as you would any other submerged vehicle. Submersion does not increase the risk of electric shock from the Model 3's body. Wear appropriate PPE when handling submerged vehicles. Remove the vehicle from the water and perform standard high-voltage disabling procedures.

Warning: Handling a submerged vehicle without appropriate PPE can lead to serious injury or death.

Loads on the Floor Pan

The high-voltage battery is located under the floor pan. Never push the floor pan from inside the Model 3. Pushing the floor pan can damage the high-voltage battery or high-voltage cables, potentially leading to serious injury or death.

The diagram shows a Model 3 partially submerged in water, and a separate diagram showing the vehicle's chassis with the battery pack.

Firefighting Procedures

Use water to extinguish high-voltage battery fires. If the battery is burning, exposed to high temperatures, or generating heat and gases, cool the battery with a large volume of water. Approximately 3,000 gallons (11,356 liters) of water may be required to fully extinguish and cool a battery fire, so establish a reliable water supply or arrange for additional water. If water is not immediately available, use dry chemical extinguishers, CO2, foam, or other extinguishing agents until water is secured.

Apply water directly to the battery. If possible, lift and tilt the vehicle to allow direct contact with the battery. If natural openings (vents or collision-induced openings) are already present, apply water only to the interior of the battery. Do not open the battery for cooling purposes. For small vehicle fires that do not affect the high-voltage battery, use standard vehicle firefighting procedures.

Never contact high-voltage components during disassembly and inspection. Always use insulated tools for disassembly and inspection. Unexpected explosions may occur from airbag inflators, stored gas inflation cylinders, gas struts, or other components due to heat or flame exposure. In case of fire, perform appropriate firefighting actions before entering hot zones.

Battery fires may take up to 24 hours to fully extinguish. Consider allowing the fire to self-extinguish while protecting surrounding combustible materials. After all fire and smoke has subsided, a thermal camera can be used to measure the temperature of the high-voltage battery and monitor its heating or cooling status. Do not hand over the vehicle to secondary responders (law enforcement, vehicle transporters, etc.) until the high-voltage battery has had at least one hour without fire, smoke, or heating. The battery must be completely cooled before handing over the vehicle to secondary responders. Always inform secondary responders of the risk of battery reignition.

Secondary response vehicles will tilt or reposition the vehicle to drain excess water from the exterior, which helps mitigate the possibility of reignition. If the Model 3 has been submerged, involved in a fire, or damaged in a collision, and the high-voltage battery has been compromised, always store the vehicle in an open area at least 50 feet (15 meters) away from flames or other hazards due to the risk of reignition.

Warning: In case of fire, consider the entire vehicle to be energized. Always wear complete PPE, including SCBA.

High-Voltage Battery - Fire Damage

When the battery burns or becomes hot, harmful vapors are generated. These vapors may contain volatile organic compounds, hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, and particles containing oxides of nickel, aluminum, lithium, copper, cobalt, and hydrogen fluoride. Responders must protect themselves by wearing complete PPE, including SCBA, and take appropriate measures to prevent the public from being exposed to vapors downwind. Use fog streams or Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans to direct smoke and vapors.

The high-voltage battery is made of lithium-ion cells. These cells are considered dry cells. If damaged, a very small amount of battery fluid may leak. Lithium-ion battery fluid is colorless.

The high-voltage battery and drive units use liquid cooling with standard automotive glycol coolant. If damaged, this blue fluid may leak from the battery. If the high-voltage battery is damaged, the temperature of the battery cells may rise rapidly. If there is smoke from the high-voltage battery, assume the battery is hot and follow the procedures in "Firefighting Procedures" on page 21.

Jacking Points

The high-voltage battery is equipped under the floor pan. This high-voltage battery houses most of the vehicle's chassis. When jacking or securing the Model 3, use only the designated jacking points shown in green.

The diagram shows the underside of the Model 3, highlighting the designated jacking points in green and the high-voltage battery in orange.

Opening Doors from Outside the Vehicle

To open the doors of the Model 3 from the outside, push the wider part of the door handle inward and then pull the door open.

Note: If the door handle does not function, reach inside the window and manually open the door using the mechanical handle. Refer to "Opening Front Doors Without Power" on page 26.

The image shows how to operate the Model 3's door handle.

Opening Doors from Inside the Vehicle (With Power)

To open the doors of the Model 3 from the inside when the 12V power is active, press the button located near the door panel.

The image shows the interior door handle and the button used to open the door.

Opening Front Doors Without Power

To open the front doors of the Model 3 from the inside without 12V power, lift the mechanical release handle located near the window switch. Note: The mechanical release handle is only equipped on the front doors.

The image shows the interior door controls, highlighting the mechanical release handle.

Opening the Hood

The Model 3 does not have a conventional internal combustion engine. Therefore, the area where the engine would normally be located is used as additional storage space. Tesla refers to this area as the "front trunk" or "frunk." To open the hood with 12V power enabled, touch the "Open" button on the touchscreen. To open the hood without 12V power:

Note: If the Model 3 is locked and supplied with 12V power, the front trunk cannot be opened using the following procedure.

  1. Locate the external 12V power source.
  2. Press firmly on the upper right side of the tow bolt cover to remove the cover, then pull the lifted portion towards you.
  3. Pull the two wires out from the tow bolt opening to expose the vehicle's terminals.
  4. Connect the red positive (+) cable of the external 12V power supply to the red positive (+) terminal on the vehicle.
  5. Connect the black negative (-) cable of the external 12V power supply to the black negative (-) terminal on the vehicle.
  6. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the external power supply manufacturer's manual). The hood latch will release immediately, allowing you to open the hood and access the front trunk.
  7. Disconnect the external power cables, starting with the black negative (-) cable.

The images illustrate the process of accessing the external 12V power terminals and connecting an external power supply.

Opening the Trunk

Use one of the following methods to open the trunk:

The image shows the rear of the Model 3 with an arrow indicating how to open the trunk using the exterior switch.

Pushing the Vehicle

Warning: The following instructions are intended for moving the Model 3 a very short distance to improve traffic safety. For information on transporting the Model 3, refer to the owner's manual on the touchscreen or the roadside assistance guide in the glove box. Damage incurred during the transport of your vehicle is not covered by warranty.

Warning: Pushing the Model 3 without it being in neutral or transport mode may cause the rear motor to overheat. Additionally, if electrical components are exposed, you may experience an electric shock even if the high-voltage disconnect circuit is disabled.

If there is a low risk of fire or high-voltage hazards (e.g., the vehicle stalls at an intersection), and 12V power is available, you can quickly push the Model 3 off the road to the shoulder. If the driver is in the driver's seat, shift the Model 3 into neutral and push the vehicle. If the driver is not in the driver's seat, the Model 3 will automatically shift into Park (even immediately after shifting into neutral) when it detects that the driver has left the vehicle.

To keep the Model 3 in neutral (release the parking brake and allow the vehicle to be pushed) when the driver is not in the driver's seat, enable "Transport Mode" from the touchscreen:

  1. Ensure the Model 3 is in Park.
  2. While pressing the brake pedal, touch "Controls" > "Service" > "Towing" on the touchscreen.
  3. Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. The Model 3 will release the brakes and can be pushed or winched at walking speed.

Note: To enable Model 3 "Transport Mode," the key must be nearby and 12V power must be detected. To cancel "Transport Mode," shift the Model 3 into Park. Note: If the Model 3 is towed at speeds above 5 mph (8 km/h) or if the 12V power is low, "Transport Mode" will automatically cancel, and the parking brake will engage. The Model 3 will honk just before Transport Mode is canceled. Note: If the Model 3 cannot detect the key (authenticated smartphone, key card), the Transport Mode button will appear grayed out, and Transport Mode cannot be used. Contact Tesla Roadside Assistance. Note: If the Model 3 has no 12V power, the touchscreen will not respond. Use an external 12V power supply to open the hood and jump-start the vehicle's auxiliary 12V battery. Refer to the Roadside Assistance Guide in the glove box (touch "Controls" > "Glove Box") or call "Tesla Roadside Assistance" for instructions.

High-Voltage Label Examples

The following are examples of labels found on high-voltage components. Labels may vary or be translated into other languages depending on your region and the vehicle's manufacturing date.

Note: New vehicles may not have high-voltage labels. Do not rely solely on labels warning of high-voltage components; work with caution. Always assume high-voltage components are energized.

Warning: Some high-voltage components may not be labeled. When disconnecting the Model 3, always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Failure to follow instructions may result in serious accidents or fatalities.

The image shows an example of a high-voltage warning label.

Contact Us

Primary and secondary emergency responders must contact Tesla Roadside Assistance. For contact phone numbers, refer to https://www.tesla.com/roadside-assistance. For questions from primary emergency responders and training instructors, please contact firstrespondersafety@tesla.com.

©2012-2019 TESLA, INC. All information and all software in this guide are subject to copyright and other intellectual property rights of Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. No part of this guide may be modified, reproduced, or copied without the prior written permission of Tesla, Inc. and its licensors. Further information is available upon request. The following are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tesla, Inc. in the United States or other countries.

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