How To Turn Off A Tesla Model 3 - ElectricCarFAQs.com

Owning a Tesla Model 3 combines cutting-edge technology and a seamless user experience. However, for new owners, some features and operations can be less intuitive than traditional vehicles. One such feature is turning off the car. Unlike conventional cars, the Tesla Model 3 has no traditional ignition key or start/stop button. Instead, it relies on a combination of software and hardware interactions. In this blog post, we will walk you through turning off your Tesla Model 3 step-by-step.

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How the Tesla Model 3 Power System Works

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that the Tesla Model 3 is designed to be highly automated. The car manages its power states intelligently to optimize battery life and user convenience.

When you park and exit the vehicle, it will typically enter a low-power sleep mode automatically. However, there are scenarios where you might want to turn off the car manually, such as when performing maintenance or ensuring it is completely off for safety reasons.

Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Off Your Tesla Model 3

Follow the step-by-step guide to turn off a Tesla Model 3.

Step 1: Put the Car into the Park

The first step to turning off your Tesla Model 3 is to ensure the car is in Park mode. You can do this by pressing the button on the end of the gear selector stalk located on the right side of the steering wheel. When the car is in Park, the “P” indicator will appear on the dashboard screen.

Step 2: Exit the Vehicle

Once the car is in Park, you can exit the vehicle. Take your phone and key fob with you. The Model 3 uses these devices to detect when you are no longer in the car, which helps it transition to a low-power state. Close the door behind you firmly.

Step 3: Walk Away from the Car

As you walk away from the car, it will automatically lock and enter sleep mode. This is usually sufficient for day-to-day use. However, if you need to ensure the car is completely powered off, follow the next steps.

Step 4: Access the Touchscreen Controls

To manually power off the Tesla Model 3, you need to use the touchscreen interface. Get back into the car and sit in the driver’s seat. On the central touchscreen, tap the “Controls” icon located at the bottom corner of the screen.

Step 5: Navigate to Safety & Security Settings

Within the Controls menu, navigate to the “Safety & Security” section. This section contains various options related to the safety and security of your vehicle, including the power off function.

Step 6: Select “Power Off”

In the Safety & Security menu, you will see an option labeled “Power Off.” Tap this option to initiate the power-off process. A confirmation message will appear on the screen, asking if you are sure you want to power off the car. Confirm your choice by tapping “Yes.”

Step 7: Wait for the Car to Power Down

After confirming, the car will begin its power-down sequence. It’s important to remain still and avoid interacting with the car during this process.

Any movement or interaction, such as opening a door or pressing the brake pedal, will cancel the power-off sequence and bring the car back to life. Wait a few minutes until the screen goes completely dark and all systems shut down.

Step 8: Verify the Car is Off

To ensure that the car is completely off, you can check for any remaining lights or sounds. The car should be silent, with no lights on the dashboard or touchscreen. If everything is off, you have successfully powered down your Tesla Model 3.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Automatic Power Management: You don’t need to power off your Tesla Model 3 manually for most daily uses. The car is designed to manage its power states efficiently, entering sleep mode when not in use.
Software Updates: Occasionally, Tesla releases software updates that can change the user interface or add new features. Always refer to the latest version of the owner’s manual for the most up-to-date instructions.
Safety Precautions: When performing maintenance or working near the vehicle, always ensure the car is completely powered off to avoid accidental activation of any systems.

Conclusion

Turning off a Tesla Model 3 is straightforward once you understand the steps involved. The car’s advanced technology simplifies many aspects of driving and vehicle management, but new owners also need to learn some. Following this guide, you can confidently turn off your Tesla Model 3 whenever necessary, ensuring safety and peace of mind.

You can also refer to the official Tesla owner’s manual or watch instructional videos like this on YouTube.