In order to put a newer generation BMW 3 Series in to a neutral when the engine isn’t running You’ll first need to give the vehicle power but do not start the engine. Now move the shifter to N and back twice. Next move it to N a third time but this time hold it there for between 5 to 10 seconds.
This will now disengage the transmission for 15 minutes or until You cut power to the vehicle. This should help You if You need to move the vehicle when it has a dead battery or other issues. accountCircle Colleen J July 30, 2020 Use the center gear shift in your car to move the car into neutral while depressing the foot brake in your BMW Series 3 vehicle.
accountCircle Joel May 30, 2022 My gear is 1 it won’tgo to neutral accountCircle Joe M February 21, 2022 I have a 2003 BMW 325I that has been sitting for about 18 months. With the key in the ignition and turned, I can move the stick shift freely through all the gears, but the car will not roll freely.
The battery is dead at this time, does the car have to have a good battery in it to allow the transition to shift to a position to allow the car to roll in this older model? Thanks, The Questions and Answers on this page are the statements and opinions of their respective authors and not VehicleHistory.com.
VehicleHistory.com does not research or authenticate any of the Answers provided.
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Contents
Can I put my BMW in neutral while dead?
How do you put a BMW in neutral with a dead battery? I was out shopping the other day, and the battery died on my BMW. I called a tow truck to get it home, but we couldn’t figure out how to get it in neutral. Is it possible to put a BMW into neutral with a dead battery? You can put a BMW in neutral with a dead battery using two methods: get under the car and disengage the latch or disengage the transmission from inside the vehicle.
Push the start buttonPush the lever twice into N (neutral)Push the lever to N and hold for 5 seconds
At this point, the transmission is disengaged for 15 minutes, after which it will re-lock. If you need to keep the vehicle in neutral, you may have to physically disengage the transmission by going under the car and turning a screw until it disengages.
If you’re unsure how to disengage your transmission, it may be best to call for help. That’s why upgrading your policy to include roadside assistance or is a good idea. Not only does it save you money, but it also saves you the hassle! With help from, the #1-rated super app, you can find the lowest from over 55 top providers.
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How do I switch to neutral Model 3?
Model 3 Owner’s Manual | Tesla When Model 3 is in Park, you must press the brake pedal to shift. Move the drive stalk up or down to shift into different drive modes. If you try to shift when it is prohibited by the current driving speed, a chime sounds and the drive mode does not change.
When in Park, shift into Neutral by briefly pushing the drive stalk either up or down to the first position. When in Drive, shift into Neutral by briefly pushing the drive stalk up to the first position. If Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (if equipped) is active, you must push the drive stalk up to the first position and hold it there for more than 1 second. In doing so, Autosteer or Traffic-Aware Cruise Control is disabled. When in Reverse, shift into Neutral by briefly pushing the drive stalk down to the first position.
An informational icon, calling your attention You must press the brake pedal to shift out of Neutral if driving slower than approximately 8 km/h, Model 3 automatically shifts into Park when you leave the driver’s seat. To stay in Neutral, use the touchscreen to engage Transport Mode (see ).
Push the drive stalk all the way down and release. You can shift into Drive when Model 3 is stopped or moving less than 8 km/h in Reverse. An informational icon, calling your attention When in Drive, push the drive stalk all the way down and release to enable cruise control (see ) and push the stalk down twice in quick succession to enable Autosteer (see ),
Press the end of the drive stalk while Model 3 is stopped. Model 3 automatically shifts into Park whenever you connect a charge cable or if two or more of the following conditions are met simultaneously while traveling slower than approximately 2 km/h :
The driver’s seat belt is unbuckled. The occupancy sensor in the driver’s seat does not detect an occupant. The driver’s door is opened.
To make it convenient to pick up passengers, you can also unlock all doors at any time by shifting into Park then pressing the Park button a second time. An informational icon, calling your attention You must press the brake pedal to shift out of Park.
- An informational icon, calling your attention The above conditions do not reflect a comprehensive list of reasons why Model 3 may or may not automatically shift into Park and, in certain scenarios, it is possible for your vehicle to shift into Park when only one of the above conditions is true.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation In emergency situations, if the brakes are not functioning properly, press and hold the Park button on the drive stalk to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Do not use this method to stop the vehicle unless absolutely necessary. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation It is the driver’s responsibility to always ensure the vehicle is in Park before exiting. Never rely on Model 3 to automatically shift into Park for you; it might not work in all circumstances (for example, if Creep or a slope causes the vehicle to travel greater than approximately 2 km/h ).
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When your car is completely dead can you still put it in neutral?
How can I put my car in neutral? My car has had a dead battery for weeks. I need to move it off my lawn into the garage to store it for winter. How can I put my car in neutral so I can move it? Dead batteries happen to the best of us! You can put your car in neutral to push it out of the way in just a few simple steps:
Apply the parking brakes.Turn on the ignition. Even though the battery is dead, this will help unlock the steering wheel.Press on the brake. Since the car can’t turn on, you will need to press down hard on the brake.Shift the car into neutral.If you still can’t shift gears, you will need to override the shift lock, Find a small panel next to the shifter. Use a flathead screwdriver to lift the panel and engage the override. Now, a friend can help push the car into the garage.
Once your car is stored, make sure to remove the dead battery, You don’t want it to become corrosive over the winter. Since you will be storing your car, check your, Many insurance providers will allow you to put your vehicle on a storage plan, A storage plan removes all insurance coverage except from the policy.
- This will help you save a good bit of money over the winter.
- Make sure to check with your local DMV for any state rules about removing coverage from your policy before making any changes.
- With winter right around the corner, make sure you have a good towing plan for any of your other vehicles.
- If you’re looking for roadside assistance at a great price, try,
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How do you manually neutral a car?
First, let’s get familiar with some of the parts –
Clutch Pedal – Manuals have 3 pedals unlike automatics, which only have two. The clutch pedal is the furthest one on the left. You use it when shifting up or down from one gear to the next, including neutral. When the clutch is fully depressed, it is disengaged.
When the clutch pedal is released, it is engaged and ready to resume the transmission of power. Use your left foot to operate the clutch and your right foot for the gas and brake, just like you would in an automatic. Stick or “Gear Shifter” – Modern manual cars have the shift lever located in the center console.
Older cars may have a steering column or dash-mounted shift stick. Locate your stick shift and study it. Manual cars have up to 6 gears. The gear guide is normally located on the head of the stick shift. Neutral, which is not a gear (you won’t go anywhere), is normally located in the middle of the “H” pattern.
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What happens if keyless fob dies?
What happens if the key fob dies while driving? I have a key fob for my car, but it seems to be going in and out. While I’m sure that I just need to replace the battery, I’m short on free time. What would happen if the key fob completely dies while I’m behind the wheel? Automakers have anticipated this problem since the inception of the key fob.
- If your key fob dies while driving, nothing will happen,
- The car will continue to operate simply because the key fob is an unlocking and starting device only,
- Once the car is in motion, the ability of the key fob to affect the ignition or engine is zero.
- If you feel like you’re short on time, know that replacing the battery in your key fob only takes about two minutes, although you will have to make a trip to a general store or pharmacy to get the battery.
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: What happens if the key fob dies while driving?
View full answerCan you put a car in neutral if you don’t have the key?
How do I put a car in neutral without a key? My parents are out of town for the weekend. They left my dad’s car parked behind me. I don’t have the keys, but I need my car tonight. How do I put his car in neutral without a key? I just want to move the car out of the way enough to get around it.
- Get wheel blocks : Place wheel blocks either in front or behind all four wheels. If you haven’t done this before, check out some YouTube videos for instructions. Safety is paramount here since you will need to slide under the car, Crawl under the car : Along with a flashlight, crawl under the car on your back. Search for the transmission; it is located near the engine. Find the cable : You will need to find the cable alongside the transmission that has a switch and a lever connected to it. Disconnect the cable and push the lever toward the back of the car. Once you hear it click two times, you know you have done it correctly and can crawl out from under the car. Push : Make sure the car is in neutral and push it out of the way of your vehicle. Keep the wheel blocks in place to be on the safe side.
In the future, look into downloading the app. Jerry’s membership provides you with industry-leading, including benefits like towing, lockout service, and a mechanics hotline for as little as $4.16 a month, When your parents get back in town, make sure to let them know how you moved the car; this way, they can make sure it is hooked up correctly before they need to drive it again.
View full answerWhere is neutral on a manual?
2: Know Where Your Gears Are – There’s an old saying that goes: “Every car is different, but most cars are the same.” This holds true when talking about gear shifting. Generally, first gear is on the top left, and second gear is bottom left. It zigzags from there, depending on how many gears you have – top center is third, bottom center is fourth, top right is fifth, and reverse is usually to the right, and down.
View full answerCan you go to neutral without pressing the clutch?
With skill and lots of practice you can change gear without the clutch at all. Move to neutral as you come off the accelerator (reducing the load on the gear teeth), match the engine speed for the next gear and slide it in.
View full answerHow do you put a Model 3 in neutral without power?
How do I put a Model 3 in neutral? The other day, I wanted to take my Tesla Model 3 to the car wash but I couldn’t figure out how to put it in neutral. How do you change to neutral? The is an affordable entry into the electric vehicle market, but you’d be surprised how many people can’t figure out how to put the vehicle in neutral! To put a Model 3 in neutral, hold down on the column shift lever for one second without pushing the lever into drive,
By putting the car in neutral, you can push it off the road if it breaks down or, as you mentioned, clean the vehicle in an automatic car wash. Tesla insurance is notoriously expensive, so if you haven’t reviewed your policy lately, now is the perfect time. Once you have your policy and price handy, use the app to shop around for the best rate.
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View full answerDoes Model 3 have passive entry?
Model 3 Owner’s Manual | Tesla Model 3 supports three types of keys:
- Phone key – You can set up your personal phone as a “phone key” that communicates with Model 3 using Bluetooth. A phone key supports automatic locking and unlocking.
- Key card – Tesla provides a key card that communicates with Model 3 using short range radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals. The key card is used to “authenticate” phone keys to work with Model 3 and to add or remove other key cards, phone keys, or key fobs. Unlike the phone key and key fob, the key card does not support automatic locking and unlocking. In situations where your phone key has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen, use your key card to unlock, drive, and lock Model 3,
- Key fob – The key fob (if equipped) allows you to press buttons to open the front and rear trunks, and unlock, lock, and drive Model 3, The key fob also supports automatic locking and unlocking, if available in your region (see ) and can be used as a backup to your phone key.
Model 3 supports a total of 19 keys, which can include phone keys, key cards, and up to four key fobs. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Remember to bring a key with you when you drive. Although you can drive Model 3 away from its key, you will be unable to power it back on after it powers off.
- Download the Tesla mobile app to your phone.
- Log into the Tesla mobile app using your Tesla account username and password. An informational icon, calling your attention You must remain logged in to your Tesla account to use your phone to access Model 3, An informational icon, calling your attention If multiple vehicles are linked to your Tesla account, you must ensure that the vehicle you want the mobile app to access is currently selected on the mobile app.
- Ensure:
- Your phone’s general Bluetooth settings are enabled.
- Bluetooth is enabled within your phone’s settings for the Tesla mobile app. For example, on your phone, navigate to Settings, choose the Tesla mobile app, and ensure the Bluetooth setting is turned on.
- Access to your location is enabled. Open the Tesla mobile app in your phone’s settings and select, For the best experience, keep the mobile app running in the background.
- Allow Mobile Access is enabled on the vehicle touchscreen ().
An informational icon, calling your attention Model 3 communicates with your phone using Bluetooth. Keep in mind that your phone must have enough battery power to run Bluetooth and that many phones disable Bluetooth when the battery is low.
- While sitting inside the vehicle with a key card handy, open the Tesla mobile app and touch Set Up Phone Key on the main screen, or navigate to, Follow the prompts on the mobile app and vehicle touchscreen to set up your phone key.
To view a list of keys that can currently access Model 3, or to remove a phone key, touch (see ). Model 3 can connect to three phone keys simultaneously. Therefore, if more than three phone keys are detected and you want to authenticate or pair a different phone, move the other connected phone key(s) out of range or turn off its Bluetooth setting.
Once a phone has been authenticated, it no longer requires an internet connection to be used as a phone key for Model 3, However, to use the phone hands-free, access your phone’s contacts, play media from it, etc., you must also pair it and connect it as a Bluetooth device (see ). Tesla provides you with two Model 3 key cards, designed to fit in your wallet.
To use a key card to unlock or lock Model 3, position the card as shown and tap it against the card reader located just below the Autopilot camera on the driver’s side door pillar. When Model 3 detects the key card, the exterior lights flash, the mirrors unfold or fold (if Fold Mirrors is on), the horn sounds (if Lock Confirmation Sound is on), and the doors unlock or lock.
An informational icon, calling your attention You may need to physically touch the center console or driver’s side door pillar with the key card, and you may need to hold it against the transmitter for one or two seconds. Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of scanning the key card (see ).
If you wait longer than two minutes, you must re-authenticate by placing the key card near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console. When your key card is detected, your two minute authentication period restarts. An informational icon, calling your attention If enabled, Walk-Away Door Lock (see ) operates only when you walk away using a phone key or passive key fob.
- When you walk away carrying your key card, Model 3 does not automatically unlock/lock.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Always carry your key card with you in your purse or wallet to use as a backup in case your authenticated phone has a dead battery, or is lost or stolen.
If you have purchased the key fob accessory, you can quickly familiarize yourself with this key by thinking of it as a miniature version of Model 3, with the Tesla badge representing the front. The key has three buttons that feel like softer areas on the surface.
- Front trunk – Double-click to unlatch the front trunk.
- Lock/Unlock All – Single-click to lock doors and trunks (all doors and trunks must be closed). Double-click to unlock doors and trunks.
- Rear trunk – Double-click to unlatch the rear trunk. Hold down for one to two seconds to open the charge port door.
Once inside, power up Model 3 by pressing the brake pedal within two minutes of pressing the unlock button on the key fob (see ). If you wait longer than two minutes, you must press the unlock button again, or place the key fob near the card reader located behind the cup holders on the center console.
- When your key fob is detected, the two minute authentication period restarts.
- When approaching or leaving Model 3 carrying the key fob, you do not need to point the key fob at Model 3 as you press a button, but you must be within operating range.
- Radio equipment on a similar frequency can affect the key.
If this happens, move the key at least one foot (30 cm) away from other electronic devices (phones, laptops, etc.). In the event that the key fob’s battery is dead, you can still use it to drive the vehicle by scanning the key fob on the card reader located on the driver’s side door pillar (like the key card).
Instructions for changing the battery are provided in, An informational icon, calling your attention You can use the same key fob with multiple Model 3 vehicles provided you authenticate it (see ). However, key fob works with only one Model 3 at a time. Therefore, to use a key fob for a different Model 3, touch its flat side against the card reader on the driver’s side door pillar.
An informational icon, calling your attention Model 3 supports up to four different key fobs. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Protect the key from impact, high temperatures, and damage from liquids. Avoid contact with solvents, waxes, and abrasive cleaners.
Due to market region or vehicle configuration, passive locking and unlocking may not be available for your vehicle. An informational icon, calling your attention Only key fobs with the TESLA logo printed on the flat side support the passive locking and unlocking feature. Key fobs with the MODEL 3 logo printed on the flat side cannot passively lock and unlock Model 3,
Locking and unlocking Model 3 with your key fob is conveniently hands-free. Although you must be carrying a paired key fob, there is no need to use it. Model 3 has sensors around the vehicle that can recognize the presence of a key fob within a range of approximately six feet (two meters),
Therefore, you can keep your key fob in your pocket or purse and simply pull on the door handle to unlock. When carrying your key fob with you, you can also open the trunk without having to use the key by pressing the rear trunk ‘s exterior door handle. If Walk-Away Door Lock is enabled, Model 3 automatically locks when you exit and the key fob is no longer in range (see ).
Passive locking and unlocking is automatically enabled when you pair your key fob to Model 3, Although you can use the same key fob with multiple vehicles, it can only be paired to one vehicle at a time. To activate a paired key fob to a different vehicle, touch the flat side onto the driver’s side door pillar and click any button on the key fob to confirm.
An informational icon, calling your attention For increased security, passive locking and unlocking disables after being stationary for five minutes while within vehicle range when the vehicle is not in use (for example, you are standing outside your vehicle). In this situation, you must shake or press a button on the key fob to re-enable passive locking and unlocking.
Under normal use, the accessory key fob has a battery that lasts for up to one year, depending on key fob version and selected vehicle settings. When the battery is low, a message displays on the touchscreen. To replace the key fob battery:
- With the key fob placed button side down on a soft surface, release the bottom cover, using a small flat-bladed tool.
- Remove the battery by lifting it away from the retaining clips.
- While avoiding touching the battery’s flat surfaces, insert the new battery (type CR2032 ) with the ‘ + ‘ side facing up. An informational icon, calling your attention Wipe the battery clean before fitting and avoid touching the battery’s flat surfaces. Finger marks on the flat surfaces of the battery can reduce battery life. An informational icon, calling your attention CR2032 batteries can be purchased from any retailer that sells batteries.
- Holding the bottom cover at an angle, align the tabs on the cover with the corresponding slots on the key fob, then press the cover firmly onto the key fob until it snaps into place.
- Test that the key fob works by unlocking and locking Model 3,
A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Key fob batteries contain a chemical burn hazard and should not be ingested. The key fob contains a coin cell battery. If the coin cell battery is swallowed, it can cause severe internal burns within two hours and can lead to death.
- Eep new and used batteries away from children.
- If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children.
- If you think batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention.
- To display a list of all keys (phone keys, key cards, and key fobs) that can access your Model 3, touch,
An icon displays next to each key to indicate whether the key is a phone key, key card, or key fob. Use this list to manage keys that have access to your Model 3, To add or delete keys, see, Model 3 supports up to 19 keys. When you reach this limit, you must delete a key before adding a new one.
An informational icon, calling your attention You can use the same key for more than one Model 3, This prevents you from having to deal with multiple keys when you switch vehicles. If you customize the name of an authenticated key card or key fob on one Model 3 (by touching the pencil icon), any other Model 3 to which the key card or key fob is authenticated also displays the changed name.
To add a new key card or key fob: An informational icon, calling your attention When adding a key fob, ensure it is at room temperature. Pairing a key fob that is very cold can be unsuccessful.
- On the touchscreen, touch,
- Scan your new key card or key fob on the card reader located behind the cup holders on the top of the center console. After the new key card or key fob is recognized, remove it from the card reader.
- Scan a key card or key fob that has already been paired to the vehicle to confirm new key pairing.
- When complete, the key list includes the new key. Touch the associated pencil icon to customize the name of the key.
Removing a key: When you no longer want a key to access Model 3 (for example, you lost your phone or key card, etc.), follow these steps to remove it.
- On the touchscreen, touch,
- In the key list, find the key that you would like to delete and touch its associated trash icon.
- When prompted, scan an authenticated key card or key fob on the card reader to confirm the deletion. When complete, the key list no longer includes the deleted key.
An informational icon, calling your attention Model 3 requires at least one authenticated key card or key fob at all times. If only one key card remains on the key list, you cannot delete it. : Model 3 Owner’s Manual | Tesla
View full answerCan I take my Model 3 to a car wash?
Model 3 Owner’s Manual To prevent damage to the paint, immediately remove corrosive substances (bird droppings, tree resin, dead insects, tar spots, road salt, industrial fallout, etc.). Do not wait until Model 3 is due for a complete wash. If necessary, use denatured alcohol to remove tar spots and stubborn grease stains, then immediately wash the area with water and a mild, non-detergent soap to remove the alcohol.
- Rinse Thoroughly Before washing, flush grime and grit from the vehicle using a hose. Flush away accumulations of mud in areas where debris easily collects (such as wheel wells and panel seams). If salt has been used on the highways (such as during winter months), thoroughly rinse all traces of road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
- Hand Wash Hand wash Model 3 using a clean soft cloth and cold or lukewarm water containing a mild, high-quality car shampoo. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Some cleaners and car shampoos contain chemicals that can cause damage or discoloration, especially to plastic trim pieces, lamps, or camera lenses. For example, some car cleaning formulas contain hydroxide or other highly alkaline or caustic ingredients that can damage exterior components. Damage or discoloration resulting from cleaning products is not covered by the warranty.
- Rinse with Clean Water After washing, rinse with clean water to prevent soap from drying on the surfaces.
- Dry Thoroughly and Clean Exterior Glass After washing and rinsing, dry thoroughly with a chamois. If necessary, dry the brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes multiple times. Clean windows and mirrors using an automotive glass cleaner. Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces.
When taking Model 3 to a car wash, Car Wash Mode closes all windows, locks the charge port, and disables windshield wipers, Sentry Mode, walk-away door locking, and parking sensor chimes. To enable, touch, Your vehicle must be stationary and not actively charging.
- If using an automatic car wash, Enable Free Roll keeps your vehicle in Neutral and activates free roll for the duration of the wash, while preventing Model 3 from applying the Parking brake if you leave the driver’s seat.
- To enable, press on the brake pedal and touch Enable Free Roll ; or shift into Neutral.
Car Wash Mode disables if the vehicle’s speed exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h) or by touching Exit on the touchscreen. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Failure to put Model 3 in Car Wash Mode may result in damage (for example, to the charge port or windshield wipers).
- Damage caused by car washes is not covered by the warranty.
- To ensure a clear picture, the camera lens must be clean and free of obstructions.
- Remove any build-up of dirt or debris by spraying water onto the camera lens with a spray bottle or pressure washer.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not attempt to remove dirt or debris by wiping an exposed lens with your hands or a cloth.
This debris can damage the surface of the lens when rubbed against it during wiping. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not use chemical-based or abrasive cleaners. Doing so can damage the surface of the lens. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not wash in direct sunlight.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not use windshield treatment fluids.
- Doing so can interfere with wiper friction and cause a chattering sound.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not use hot water, detergents, or highly alkaline or caustic cleaning products, especially those containing hydroxide.
A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation If using a pressure washer, maintain a distance of at least 12″ (30 cm) between the nozzle and the surface of Model 3, Avoid aiming the water jet directly at parking sensors (if equipped),
- Eep the nozzle moving and do not concentrate the water jet on any one area.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not aim water hoses directly at windows, door, or hood seals or at electronic modules or exposed cabling.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation To avoid corrosive damage that may not be covered by the warranty, rinse away any road salt from the underside of the vehicle, wheel wells, and brakes.
After cleaning the vehicle, dry the brakes by going on a short drive and applying the brakes multiple times. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Avoid using tight-napped or rough cloths, such as washing mitts. A high-quality microfiber cleaning cloth is recommended.
A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation If washing in an automatic car wash, use touchless car washes only. These car washes have no parts (brushes, etc.) that touch the surfaces of Model 3, Some touchless car washes use caustic solutions that, over time, can cause discoloration of decorative exterior trim.
Avoid exposure to soaps and chemicals above pH 13. If unsure, check the product label or ask the staff at the car wash. Damage caused by improper washing is not covered by the warranty. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation If washing in an automatic car wash, make sure the vehicle is locked.
In addition, avoid using controls on the touchscreen that can result in accidentally opening doors or trunks while the vehicle is being washed. Any damage caused is not covered by the warranty. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Ensure the wipers are off before washing Model 3 to avoid the risk of damaging the wipers.
A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not use chemical based wheel cleaners or pre-wash products. These can damage the finish on the wheels. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Never spray liquid at a high velocity (for example, if using a pressure washer) towards the charge port while Model 3 is charging.
- Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or damage to the vehicle, charging equipment, or property.
- Frequently inspect and clean the interior to maintain its appearance and to prevent premature wear.
- If possible, immediately wipe up spills and remove marks.
- For general cleaning, wipe interior surfaces using a soft cloth (such as microfiber) dampened with a mixture of warm water and mild non-detergent cleaner (test all cleaners on a concealed area before use).
To avoid streaks, dry immediately with a soft lint-free cloth. Do not scrape, or use any abrasive cleaning fluid on glass or mirrored surfaces. This can damage the reflective surface of the mirror and the heating elements in the rear window. Do not allow any substance to enter an airbag cover.
This could affect correct operation. Do not polish the upper surfaces of the dashboard. Polished surfaces are reflective and could interfere with your driving view. Wipe spills and chemical residues from interior surfaces as soon as possible using a soft cloth moistened with warm water and non-detergent soap.
Wipe gently in a circular motion. Then wipe dry using a soft, lint-free cloth. Although seating surfaces are designed to repel stains, Tesla recommends regular cleaning to maintain performance and an as-new appearance. Promptly treat dye transfer from clothing, such as indigo-dyed denim.
- Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, including certain cosmetics.
- Never use cleaners containing alcohol or bleach.
- Spot-test cleaners on an inconspicuous area before applying to visible surfaces.
- Vacuum cloth seats as needed to remove any loose dirt.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Aftermarket, non-Tesla seat covers may inhibit the sensitivity of a seat’s occupancy sensors and may cause staining or damage.
Avoid over-wetting carpets. For heavily soiled areas, use a diluted upholstery cleaner. Extend the belts to wipe. Do not use any type of detergent or chemical cleaning agent. Allow the belts to dry naturally while extended, preferably away from direct sunlight.
- Wipe door seals with a damp cloth to remove any debris.
- Excessive debris on the door seals can cause paint damage when contacting surrounding surfaces.
- Avoid using alcohol wipes or any chemical products that can potentially deteriorate the coating on the door seals.
- Clean the touchscreen using a soft lint-free cloth specifically designed to clean monitors and displays.
Do not use cleaners (such as a glass cleaner) or alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer) and do not use a wet wipe or a dry statically-charged cloth (such as a recently washed microfiber). To wipe the touchscreen without activating buttons and changing settings, you can enable Screen Clean Mode.
Touch, The display darkens to make it easy to see dust and smudges. To exit Screen Clean Mode, press and hold HOLD TO EXIT, Polish, abrasive cleaners, alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), and hard cloths can damage the finish on chrome and metal surfaces. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Using solvents (including alcohol), alcohol-based gel products (such as hand sanitizer), bleach, citrus, naphtha, or silicone-based products or additives on interior components can cause damage.
A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Statically-charged materials can cause damage to the touchscreen. A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation If you notice any damage on an airbag or seat belt, contact Tesla immediately.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not allow any water, cleaners, or fabric to enter a seat belt mechanism.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Exposure to chemical cleaners can be hazardous and can irritate eyes and skin.
- Read and observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the chemical cleaner.
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body, you can occasionally treat the paint surfaces with an approved polish containing:
- Very mild abrasive to remove surface contamination without removing or damaging the paint.
- Filling compounds that fill scratches and reduce their visibility.
- Wax to provide a protective coating between the paint and environmental elements.
Regularly inspect the exterior paint for damage. Treat minor chips and scratches using a paint touch-up pen (available for purchase from Tesla). Use the touch-up pen after washing but before polishing or waxing. Repair rock chips, fractures or scratches.
- Refer to for more information on repair locations and available services.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not use cutting pastes, color restoration compounds, or polishes containing harsh abrasives.
- These can scour the surface and permanently damage the paint.
- A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Do not use chrome polish or other abrasive cleaners.
To preserve the cosmetic appearance of the body when Model 3 is not being used, use a genuine Tesla car cover. Car covers can be purchased from Tesla. See, A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation Use only a Tesla-approved car cover when Model 3 is plugged in.
Using a non-Tesla car cover can prevent the Battery from being adequately cooled during charging. To extend the life of your carpet and make them easier to clean, use genuine Tesla floor mats (see ). Maintain floor mats by regularly cleaning them and checking that they are properly attached. Replace floor mats if they become excessively worn.
A warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation To avoid potential interference with a foot pedal, ensure that the driver’s floor mat is securely fastened, and never place an additional floor mat on top of it. Floor mats should always rest on top of the vehicle carpeting surface and not on another floor mat or other covering.
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