Tesla MODEL 3 2012 Owner's Manual page 91

4. Aiming for the rearmost end of the wide
part of the door handle, use the bottom
of your fist to forcefully bump the door
handle. Increase the intensity of the
bumps as necessary, repeating steps 1
through 3 until the ice is removed and the
door handle can be opened.
CAUTION: Never bump the vehicle
so hard as to cause a dent; the
force used should be similar to
knocking on your neighbor's front
door.
5. Once the door handle is able to move,
open and close it a few more times to
release any remaining ice buildup. Make
sure the door handle is fully pressed in
(retracted) prior to entering the vehicle,
and check that the door is fully closed
before driving away.
Applying WD-40 to Door Handle Pivot
Pins
In severe winter conditions, applying WD-40
to door handle pivot pins can help prevent ice
buildup that might immobilize the handle.
Consider applying WD-40 to the door handle
pivot pins if you are expecting freezing rain,
heavy snow, or icy conditions. Reapply as
needed.
CAUTION: Read and observe the
instructions and warnings provided by
WD-40 prior to performing this
procedure.
To apply WD-40 to the door handle pivot pin:
1. Open the door handle and prop it open
using a folded towel or other soft
material.
Driving
Cold Weather Best Practices
2. Attach the provided straw to the nozzle
of the WD-40 bottle.
3. Put on eye protection.
4. Place the end of the straw next to the
pivot pin and spray it for approximately
one second, taking care not to
accidentally spray other components.
NOTE: Rest the end of the straw on the
top of the spring around the pivot pin to
better aim the spray.
5. Remove the towel or other soft material
used to prop the door handle open.
6. Pivot the door handle in and out
approximately ten times.
7. For a second time, place the end of the
straw next to the pivot pin and spray it for
approximately one second, taking care
not to accidentally spray other
components.
NOTE: Rest the end of the straw on the
top of the spring around the pivot pin to
better aim the spray.
8. Remove the towel or other soft material
used to prop the door handle open.
9. Pivot the door handle in and out
approximately ten times.
10. Perform this procedure on the other three
door handles.
WARNING: Make sure eye
protection is worn when
performing this step.
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