How to Use Tesla Model 3 Door Handles and Lock Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Guide

Using Exterior Door Handles

How to Use Exterior Door Handles

To open the Tesla Model 3's door from the outside, use your thumb to push the wide part of the door handle. This action pivots the handle towards you, allowing you to pull the handle or the edge of the door to open it. The handle will automatically retract once the door is opened, providing a seamless experience.

Automatic Retraction

The exterior door handles are designed to retract automatically, maintaining the car's aerodynamic profile and aesthetic appeal.

Door Open Indicator

Display Indicator

When a door or trunk is open, the Model 3's touchscreen displays a Door Open indicator light, alerting you to the open status. This feature ensures you never accidentally leave a door or trunk ajar, enhancing vehicle safety.

Cold Weather Best Practices

In cold weather, door handles can sometimes become difficult to operate. To ensure they function properly, keep them clean and free of ice. Additionally, use Tesla's preconditioning feature to warm up the car and make the handles easier to use.

Safety Warning

Avoid Pinching

While using the door handle, be cautious to avoid getting your fingers, jewelry, or acrylic nails pinched by the door or handle mechanism. Failing to do so could result in injury or damage.

Opening Doors from the Interior

Electrically Powered Doors

To open a door from inside the Model 3, press the button located at the top of the interior door handle while simultaneously pushing the door open. This electrical mechanism is both convenient and user-friendly.

Child Locks

Preventing Unwanted Door Opening

The Model 3 features child locks on the rear doors to prevent children from opening them using the interior release buttons. You can engage the child locks by touching Controls > Locks > Child Lock on the touchscreen, choosing either both rear doors or a specific one.

Interior Locking and Unlocking

Using the Touchscreen

Inside the Model 3, you can lock and unlock all doors and trunks by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen. The icon changes to indicate whether the doors are locked or unlocked.

Using the Drive Stalk

Alternatively, you can unlock the doors by pressing the Park button on the end of the drive stalk a second time. Pressing it once engages Park, and pressing it again unlocks the doors.

Walk-Away Door Lock

Automatic Locking

The Model 3 can automatically lock the doors and trunks when you walk away with your phone key or paired key fob. To enable or disable this feature, go to Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock. When activated, the exterior lights will flash once, and the mirrors will fold (if the Fold Mirrors feature is enabled).

Custom Lock Sound

To add a personal touch, you can customize the lock sound when the vehicle locks from the outside by going to Toybox > Boombox > Lock Sound.

Drive Away Locking

Automatic Locking While Driving

For added security, the Model 3 automatically locks all doors and trunks when your driving speed exceeds 8 km/h.

Driver Door Unlock Mode

Selective Unlocking

Enabling Driver Door Unlock Mode via Controls > Locks > Driver Door Unlock Mode only unlocks the driver door when you first unlock the car. To unlock the remaining doors, long press the button at the top of the interior driver door handle, use the touchscreen, mobile app, or press the key fob a second time.

Car Left Open Notifications

Mobile Alerts

To receive notifications if a door, trunk, or window is left open or if the vehicle is left unlocked unexpectedly, go to Controls > Locks > Car Left Open Notifications on the touchscreen.

Unlock on Park

Automatic Unlocking When Parked

When you stop and engage Park, you can choose to unlock all doors by enabling the feature in Controls > Locks > Unlock on Park. If this feature is set to OFF, pressing the Park button a second time after engaging Park will unlock all doors.

Conclusion

Understanding and utilizing the Tesla Model 3's door handles and locking mechanisms is essential for maintaining the vehicle's performance and security. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth and secure operation of your Model 3, providing peace of mind whether you're driving or parked.

FAQs

Q:How do I open the Tesla Model 3 doors from the outside?

A:Use your thumb to push the wide part of the door handle, which pivots towards you. Then, pull the handle or the edge of the door to open it.

Q:How can I lock my Model 3 automatically when I walk away?

A:Enable Walk-Away Door Lock by going to Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock. The car will lock when you walk away with your phone key or paired key fob.

Q:What should I do if my Model 3 door handles are difficult to operate in cold weather?

A:Keep the handles clean and free of ice. Use Tesla's preconditioning feature to warm up the car, making the handles easier to use.

Q:How can I prevent my children from opening the rear doors?

A:Engage the child locks by touching Controls > Locks > Child Lock on the touchscreen and selecting either both rear doors or a specific one.

Q:What happens if I leave a door or trunk open on my Model 3?

A:The touchscreen will display a Door Open indicator light, and you can enable mobile notifications by going to Controls > Locks > Car Left Open Notifications.