Instructions For Transporters - Tesla 3 2018 Owner's Manual

When Transporting Model 3
Always transport Model 3 with all four tires off
the ground. A flatbed truck or comparable
transport vehicle is recommended. A wheel lift
and dolly can be used only when transporting
Model 3 for a maximum of 15 miles (25 km),
provided the driving speed does not exceed
45 mph (70 km/h). When transporting,
whether on a flatbed truck or using a wheel
lift and dolly, Model 3 can face either direction.
Do not transport Model 3 using any other
method unless specified by Tesla. Follow the
steps provided and observe all warnings and
cautions. Damage caused by transporting your
vehicle is not covered by the warranty.
Note: The following illustrations are for
demonstration purposes only.
Never tow Model 3 with the tires contacting
the ground, even for short distances. Doing so
can cause significant damage. In addition,
before pulling Model 3 onto a flatbed truck,
you must use the touchscreen to enable
Transport Mode. Transport Mode keeps Model
3 in Neutral, allowing the tires to turn freely.
Transport Mode also prevents damage that
would be caused when the tires turn as you
pull Model 3 onto a flatbed truck. Do not
attempt to use Transport Mode to tow Model 3
with the tires on the ground. Transport Mode
can prevent damage only when used for a
limited time and speed, and for a very short
distance, such as when you pull Model 3 onto
a flatbed truck. If you are unable to activate
Transport Mode, you must use self-loading
dollies or tire skates to prevent the tires from
turning as you pull Model 3 onto a flatbed
truck.
Warning: TOWING MODEL 3 WITH THE
TIRES CONTACTING THE GROUND CAN
CAUSE OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE TO
THE REAR MOTOR.
Warning: To prevent damage and
overheating of the rear motor when
rolling or winching Model 3 onto a flatbed
truck, you must either enable Transport
Mode or use self-loading dollies or tire
Roadside Assistance

Instructions for Transporters

skates. Do not allow the tires to turn
without Transport Mode enabled.
Note: Tesla is not responsible for any damage
caused by transporting Model 3, including
personal or property damage caused by using
self-loading dollies or tire skates.
Warning: Model 3 is equipped with high
voltage components (see
Components
transporting Model 3 as a result of an
event (such as a collision) that may have
compromised a high voltage component,
it is important to assume that these
components are energized. Always follow
high voltage safety precautions (wearing
personal protective equipment, etc.) until
emergency response professionals have
evaluated the vehicle and can accurately
confirm that all high voltage systems are
no longer energized. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury or death.
Activate Transport Mode
Transport Mode keeps Model 3 in Neutral
(which disengages the parking brake) while
preventing damage to the rear motor as the
wheels turn when pulling Model 3 onto a
flatbed truck. The following are required to
enable Transport Mode:
• 12V power is required. You are unable to
use the touchscreen to activate Transport
Mode if Model 3 has no 12V power. See
Jump Starting the 12V Battery
143 for instructions on how to jump start
the 12V battery.
• Model 3 must detect a valid key
(authenticated smartphone or key card). If
a key is not detected, the Transport Mode
button on the touchscreen is grayed out.
See Keys on page 6.
To activate Transport Mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Chock the tires or otherwise ensure Model
3 is stable.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, then on
the touchscreen touch Controls >
Service > Towing. A message displays
reminding you of how to properly
transport Model 3.
4. Hold the Transport Mode button until it
turns blue. Model 3 is now free-rolling and
can be rolled or winched.
To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model 3 into
Park.
High Voltage
on page 103). Before
on page
141