Introduction
This guide is intended only for use by trained and certified rescuers and first responders. It assumes that readers have a comprehensive understanding of how safety systems work and have completed the appropriate training and certification required to safely handle rescue situations. Therefore, this guide provides only the specific information required to understand and safely handle the fully electric Model Y in an emergency situation. It describes how to identify Model Y and provides the locations and descriptions of its high voltage components, airbags, inflation cylinders, seat belt pre-tensioners, and the high strength materials used in its body structure. This guide includes the high voltage disabling procedure and any safety considerations specific to Model Y. Failure to follow recommended practices or procedures can result in serious injury or death.
The high voltage battery is the main energy source. Model Y does not have a traditional gasoline or diesel engine and therefore does not have a fuel tank. The images in this guide might not match the vehicle you are working on.
Important Safety Instructions
This document contains important instructions and warnings that must be followed when handling Model Y in an emergency situation.
NOTE: Images in this document show a left-hand drive (LHD), North American vehicle. Unless otherwise noted, right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are mirrored.
NOTE: Model Y is equipped with airbags in North America only.
Warnings
- Warning: Always use appropriate tools, such as a hydraulic cutter, and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when cutting Model Y. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death.
- Warning: Regardless of the disabling procedure you use, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT ALL HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS ARE ENERGIZED! Cutting, crushing, or touching high voltage components can result in serious injury or death.
- Warning: After deactivation, the high voltage circuit requires 2 minutes to de-energize.
- Warning: The supplemental restraint system (SRS) control unit has a backup power supply with a discharge time of approximately ten seconds. Do not touch the SRS control unit within 10 seconds of an airbag or pre-tensioner deployment.
- Warning: Handling a submerged vehicle without appropriate PPE can result in serious injury or death.
- Warning: When fire is involved, consider the entire vehicle energized. Always wear full PPE, including a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- Warning: When cutting the first responder loop, double cut the loop to remove an entire section. This eliminates the risk of the cut wires accidentally reconnecting.
- Warning: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH REAR WHEELS ON THE GROUND. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.
Identifying the Vehicle
Badging and Door Handles
Model Y can be identified by its badges and uniquely-shaped door handles.
NOTE: Model Y may have a "DUAL MOTOR" badge on the trunk to indicate that it is a Dual Motor configuration.
[Diagram showing front and rear views of Model Y, highlighting badges and door handles.]
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Model Y can be identified by its VIN. Locate the stamped plate on the top of the dashboard by looking through the driver's side of the windshield. Model Y is identified with a "Y" in the 4th alphanumeric position.
[Diagram showing the dashboard area through the windshield, with an arrow pointing to the VIN plate location.]
Touchscreen
Model Y can be identified by its 15 in (38 cm) touchscreen that is mounted in a "landscape" orientation. Model Y does not have an instrument cluster in front of the steering wheel.
[Diagram showing the interior of Model Y, highlighting the large central touchscreen.]
Electric Vehicle Components
High Voltage Components
The following components are part of the high voltage system:
- 1. High Voltage Cabling
- 2. Heat Pump
- 3. Front Motor (Dual Motor vehicles only)
- 4. High Voltage Battery
- 5. High Voltage Cabling
- 6. High Voltage Battery Service Panel
- 7. Rear Motor
- 8. High Voltage Busbars
- 9. Charge Port
[Diagram showing a top-down view of Model Y with numbered callouts indicating the locations of high voltage components.]
High Voltage Battery
Model Y is equipped with a floor-mounted 400 volt lithium-ion high voltage battery. Never breach the high voltage battery when lifting from under the vehicle. When using rescue tools, pay special attention to ensure that you do not breach the floor pan. Refer to Lifting the Vehicle on page 23 for instructions on how to properly lift the vehicle.
NOTE: The following image shows a Dual Motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit are similar.
[Diagram showing a side-view cutaway of Model Y, highlighting the large high voltage battery pack located under the floor.]
High Voltage Cables
High voltage cables are shown in orange.
NOTE: The following image shows a Dual Motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit are similar.
[Diagram showing a top-down view of Model Y with orange high voltage cables routed throughout the vehicle.]
Drive Units
The rear drive unit is located between the rear wheels, and the front drive unit (if equipped) is located between the front wheels. The drive units convert the direct current (DC) from the high voltage battery into alternating current (AC) that the drive units use to power the wheels.
NOTE: The following image shows a Dual Motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit are similar.
[Diagram showing the underside of Model Y, highlighting the rear drive unit and the front drive unit (if applicable).]
12 Volt Battery
In addition to the high voltage system, Model Y has a low voltage electrical system. Its 12 volt battery operates the SRS, airbags, windows, door locks, touchscreen, and interior and exterior lights. The high voltage system charges the 12 volt battery, and the 12 volt battery supplies power to the high voltage contactors, allowing high voltage current to flow into and out of the high voltage battery. The 12 volt battery, outlined in red, is located under the hood and the plastic access panel.
NOTE: The following image shows a Dual Motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit are similar.
[Diagram showing a top-down view of Model Y's interior, highlighting the 12-volt battery location under the hood.]
Stabilizing the Vehicle
Chock All Four Wheels
Model Y moves silently, so never assume it is powered off. Drivers can choose a setting that determines whether or not Model Y will "creep" when a drive gear is selected. If this setting is off, Model Y may not move unless the accelerator is pressed, even if shifted into Drive or Reverse. However, never assume that Model Y will not move. Always chock the wheels.
[Diagram showing Model Y with chocks placed under all four wheels.]
Shift Into Park
Model Y moves silently, so never assume it is powered off. Pressing the accelerator pedal even slightly can cause Model Y to accelerate quickly if the active gear is Drive or Reverse. To ensure that the parking brake is engaged, press the button on the end of the gear selector to shift into Park. Whenever Model Y is in Park, the parking brake is automatically engaged and the touchscreen shows the active gear as Park (P).
[Diagram showing the Model Y gear selector with the Park button highlighted.]
Disabling the High Voltage System
First Responder Cut Loop
The first responder loop is a low voltage harness. Cutting the first responder loop shuts down the high voltage system outside of the high voltage battery and disables the SRS and airbag components. Refer to Cutting the First Responder Loop on page 13 for instructions on how to access and cut the first responder loop.
NOTE: The following image shows a Dual Motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit are similar.
[Diagram showing a top-down view of Model Y's interior, highlighting the location of the first responder cut loop.]
Warning: Regardless of the disabling procedure you use, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT ALL HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS ARE ENERGIZED! Cutting, crushing, or touching high voltage components can result in serious injury or death.
Cutting the First Responder Loop
When cutting the first responder loop, double cut it to remove an entire section. This prevents the wires from accidentally reconnecting.
- Open the hood. Refer to Opening the Hood on page 27 for instructions.
- Remove the access panel by pulling it upwards to release the clips that hold it in place.
- Double cut the first responder loop.
[Diagram showing the hood of Model Y open, with an arrow indicating the access panel.]
[Diagram showing the access panel removed, with an arrow pointing to the first responder loop.]
[Diagram showing the first responder loop being cut.]
Airbags and Components
Airbags
Airbags are located in the approximate areas shown. Airbag warning information is printed on the sun visors.
NOTE: Model Y is designed to deactivate high voltage in all components and cables outside of the high voltage battery when an airbag is deployed.
NOTE: Left Hand Drive, North American vehicle shown. On Right Hand Drive vehicles, the passenger and driver airbag locations are reversed.
Airbag locations:
- 1. Knee airbags (North America only)
- 2. Front airbags
- 3. Seat-mounted side airbags
- 4. Curtain airbags
[Diagram showing a side view of Model Y with numbered callouts indicating airbag locations.]
Warning: The SRS control unit has a backup power supply with a discharge time of approximately ten seconds. Do not touch the SRS control unit within 10 seconds of an airbag or pre-tensioner deployment.
Airbag Inflation Cylinders
The airbag inflation cylinders, outlined in red, are located near the roof and towards the rear of the vehicle.
[Diagram showing a top-down view of Model Y's interior, highlighting the airbag inflation cylinders in red.]
Warning: The SRS control unit has a backup power supply with a discharge time of approximately ten seconds. Do not touch the SRS control unit within 10 seconds of an airbag or pre-tensioner deployment.
Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners
The seat belt pre-tensioners, outlined in red, are located at the bottom of the B-pillars and outboard of the 2nd row seats.
[Diagram showing side views of Model Y, highlighting the seat belt pre-tensioners in red.]
Warning: The SRS control unit has a backup power supply with a discharge time of approximately ten seconds. Do not touch the SRS control unit within 10 seconds of an airbag or pre-tensioner deployment.
Reinforcements
Reinforcements and Ultra High Strength Steel
Model Y is reinforced to protect occupants in a collision. Suitable tools must be used to cut or crush these areas. Reinforcements are shown in teal below.
[Diagram showing side and top views of Model Y, highlighting areas of reinforcement in teal.]
Warning: Always use appropriate tools, such as a hydraulic cutter, and always wear appropriate PPE when cutting Model Y. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death.
Warning: Regardless of the disabling procedure you use, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT ALL HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS ARE ENERGIZED! Cutting, crushing, or touching high voltage components can result in serious injury or death.
No-Cut Zones
Model Y has areas that are defined as "no-cut zones" due to the presence of high voltage, gas struts, SRS components, or other hazards. Never cut or crush in these areas. Doing so could result in serious injury or death. The "no-cut zones" are shown in pink.
NOTE: The following image shows a Dual Motor vehicle. Vehicles without a front drive unit are similar.
[Diagram showing side and top views of Model Y, highlighting "no-cut zones" in pink.]
Warning: Always use appropriate tools, such as a hydraulic cutter, and always wear appropriate PPE when cutting Model Y. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death.
Warning: Regardless of the disabling procedure you use, ALWAYS ASSUME THAT ALL HIGH VOLTAGE COMPONENTS ARE ENERGIZED! Cutting, crushing, or touching high voltage components can result in serious injury or death.
Rescue Operations
Fully or Partially Submerged Vehicles
Treat a submerged Model Y like any other submerged vehicle. The body of Model Y does not present a greater risk of shock because it is in water. However, handle any submerged vehicle while wearing the appropriate PPE. Remove the vehicle from the water and continue with normal high voltage disabling.
[Diagram showing Model Y partially submerged in water.]
Warning: Handling a submerged vehicle without appropriate PPE can result in serious injury or death.
Pushing on the Floor Pan
The high voltage battery is located below the floor pan. Never push on the floor pan inside Model Y. Doing so can breach the high voltage battery or damage the high voltage cables, which can cause serious injury or death.
[Diagram showing the underside of Model Y, highlighting the high voltage battery pack.]
Firefighting
USE WATER TO FIGHT A HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY FIRE. If the battery catches fire, is exposed to high heat, or is generating heat or gases, use large amounts of water to cool the battery. It can take approximately 3,000 gallons (11,356 liters) of water, applied directly to the battery, to fully extinguish and cool down a battery fire; always establish or request an additional water supply. If water is not immediately available, use dry chemicals, CO2, foam, or another typical fire-extinguishing agent to fight the fire until water is available.
Apply water directly to the battery. If safety permits, lift or tilt the vehicle for more direct access to the battery. Apply water inside the battery ONLY if a natural opening (such as a vent or opening from a collision) already exists. Do not open the battery for the purpose of cooling it.
Extinguish small fires that do not involve the high voltage battery using typical vehicle firefighting procedures.
During overhaul, do not make contact with any high voltage components. Always use insulated tools for overhaul.
Heat and flames can compromise airbag inflators, stored gas inflation cylinders, gas struts, and other components which can result in an unexpected explosion. Perform an adequate knock down before entering a hot zone.
Battery fires can take up to 24 hours to extinguish. Consider allowing the battery to burn while protecting exposures.
After all fire and smoke has visibly subsided, a thermal imaging camera can be used to actively measure the temperature of the high voltage battery and monitor the trend of heating or cooling. There must not be fire, smoke, or heating present in the high voltage battery for at least one hour before the vehicle can be released to second responders (such as law enforcement, vehicle transporters, etc.). The battery must be completely cooled before releasing the vehicle to second responders or otherwise leaving the incident. Always advise second responders that there is a risk of battery re-ignition.
Second responders may choose to drain excess water out of the vehicle by tilting or repositioning it. This operation can assist in mitigating possible re-ignition.
Due to potential re-ignition, a Model Y that has been involved in a submersion, fire, or a collision that has compromised the high voltage battery should be stored in an open area at least 50 ft (15 m) from any exposure.
Warning: When fire is involved, consider the entire vehicle energized. Always wear full PPE, including a SCBA.
High Voltage Battery - Fire Damage
A burning or heated battery releases toxic vapors. These vapors may include volatile organic compounds, hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, soot, particulates containing oxides of nickel, aluminum, lithium, copper, cobalt, and hydrogen fluoride. Responders should always protect themselves with full PPE, including a SCBA, and take appropriate measures to protect civilians downwind from the incident. Use fog streams or positive-pressure ventilation fans (PPV) to direct smoke and vapors.
The high voltage battery consists of lithium-ion cells. These cells are considered dry cells. If damaged, only a small amount of fluid can leak. Lithium-ion battery fluid is clear in color.
The high voltage battery and drive unit(s) are liquid cooled with a typical glycol-based automotive coolant. If damaged, this blue coolant can leak out of the high voltage battery.
A damaged high voltage battery can create rapid heating of the battery cells. If you notice smoke coming from the high voltage battery, assume that it is heating and take appropriate action as described in Firefighting on page 21.
Lifting the Vehicle
Lift Areas
The high voltage battery is located under the floor pan. A large section of the undercarriage houses the high voltage battery. When lifting or stabilizing Model Y, only use the designated lift areas, as shown in green.
[Diagram showing the underside of Model Y with designated lift areas highlighted in green, safe stabilization points in yellow, and the high voltage battery in orange.]
Warning: The vehicle should be lifted or manipulated only if first responders are trained and equipped at the technician level per NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and are familiar with the vehicle's lifting points. Use caution to ensure you never come into contact with the high voltage battery or other high voltage components while lifting or manipulating the vehicle.
Warning: DO NOT USE THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY TO LIFT OR STABILIZE MODEL Y.
Opening the Vehicle
Opening Doors from the Outside
To open the Model Y doors from the outside, press the wide part of a door handle inwards and then pull the door open.
NOTE: If the door handles do not function, open a front door manually by reaching inside the window and using the mechanical release handle. See Opening Front Doors Without Power on page 26.
[Diagram showing the exterior door handle of Model Y with an arrow indicating the press-in action.]
Opening Doors From the Inside With Power
To open the Model Y doors from the inside with 12 volt power enabled, press the button located near the door panel.
[Diagram showing the interior door panel of Model Y with the power door release button highlighted.]
Opening Front Doors Without Power
To open the Model Y front doors from the inside without 12 volt power, lift the mechanical release handle located near the window switches.
NOTE: Only the front doors are equipped with a mechanical release handle.
[Diagram showing the interior door panel of a Model Y front door with the mechanical release handle highlighted.]
Opening the Hood
Model Y does not have a traditional internal combustion engine. Therefore, the area that would normally house the engine is used as additional storage space. Tesla calls this area the “Front Trunk”.
To open the hood with 12 volt power enabled, touch the associated OPEN button on the touchscreen.
To open the hood without 12 volt power:
NOTE: The following will not open the front trunk if Model Y is locked and has 12V power.
- Locate an external 12 volt power supply.
- Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on the top right perimeter of the cover until it pivots inward, then pulling the raised section toward you.
- Pull the two wires out of the tow eye opening to expose the vehicle-side terminals.
- Connect the external 12 volt power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) vehicle-side terminal.
- Connect the external 12 volt power supply's black negative (-) cable to the black negative (-) vehicle-side terminal.
- Turn on the external power supply (refer to the external power supply manufacturer's instructions). The hood latches are immediately released and you can now open the hood to access the front trunk area.
- Disconnect both external power supply cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
[Diagram showing the front of Model Y with the tow eye cover being released.]
[Diagram showing the tow eye cover removed, exposing terminals and wires.]
[Diagram showing external power supply cables connected to the vehicle terminals.]
Opening the Trunk
Use one of the following methods to open the trunk:
- Touch the associated OPEN button on the touchscreen for the trunk.
- Press the switch located under the exterior handle on the trunk.
[Diagram showing the rear of Model Y with an arrow pointing to the trunk release switch.]
Pushing the Vehicle
Warning: The following instructions are intended to be used when only moving Model Y a very short distance to improve traffic safety. Refer to the Owner's Manual on the touchscreen or the Roadside Assistance Guide in the glovebox for instructions on how to transport Model Y. Damage caused by transporting the vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Warning: Pushing Model Y when it is not in Neutral or Transport Mode can result in overheating the rear motor and potential risk of shock if electrical components are exposed, even if the first responder loop has been cut.
In situations where there is minimal risk of fire or high voltage exposure (for example, the vehicle does not accelerate after coming to a stop at an intersection) and 12V power is present, Model Y can be quickly pushed in order to clear the roadway. If a driver is present, simply shift Model Y into Neutral and then push the vehicle. If a driver is not present, Model Y may automatically shift into Park when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle (even if it has previously been shifted into Neutral).
To keep Model Y in Neutral (which disengages the parking brake and allows the vehicle to be pushed) without a driver present, use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode:
- Ensure Model Y is in Park.
- Press and hold the brake pedal, then on the touchscreen touch Controls > Service > Towing.
- Hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. Model Y is now free-rolling and can be slowly rolled (no faster than walking speed) or winched.
NOTE: Model Y must detect a key nearby and 12V power is required for Transport Mode to activate.
To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model Y into Park.
NOTE: Transport Mode automatically cancels and the parking brake is applied if Model Y is rolled faster than 5 mph (8 km/h) or 12V power becomes low or absent. Model Y sounds its horn if Transport Mode is about to cancel.
NOTE: If Model Y cannot detect the key (an authenticated smartphone or key), the Transport Mode button is grayed out and Transport Mode cannot be enabled. Call Tesla Roadside Assistance.
NOTE: The touchscreen is unresponsive if Model Y has no 12V power. Use an external 12V power to open the hood and jump start the vehicle's auxiliary 12V battery. Refer to the Roadside Assistance Guide in the glovebox (touch Controls > Glovebox) or call Tesla Roadside Assistance for instructions.
Contact Us
First Responders and Second Responders with emergencies, call Tesla Roadside Assistance. Refer to https://www.tesla.com/roadside-assistance for the applicable number.
First Responders and training officers who have questions, contact firstrespondersafety@tesla.com.
