How to Access Tesla Doors Without Power During an Emergency | Carscoops

      Learn how to safely exit your Tesla in the event of a power loss and uncover the manual door releases that many owners may not be aware of.

      22 hours ago by Stephen Rivers

      Tesla vehicles can experience power loss, resulting in their doors becoming partially inoperable.

      This guide provides instructions on how to safely escape from any Tesla model, regardless of the year.

      We will also include a few helpful reminders that are relevant to all vehicles.

      Electric door actuators are not a novel concept. They are commonly found throughout the automotive industry, but they often attract the most attention and criticism when associated with Tesla.

      Over time, we have reported on various incidents that raised safety concerns regarding these electronic latches, including several tragic outcomes. The idea of being trapped inside the car due to a loss of power or, even worse, following an accident is indeed frightening.

      Also: Model Y Owners Worry Their Children Could Be Trapped After a Crash

      However, in most situations, passengers can quickly and safely free themselves if they know the correct procedure. That said, panic can easily set in after a distressing event, particularly when the doors appear to be locked or children are present in the back seat.

      Each automaker utilizing electronic latches includes a mechanical backup, but many owners are unaware of this feature. Therefore, we aim to clarify the information for everyone: if you or someone you know drives a Tesla, the following could be crucial in a future scenario.

      Model Y | Simple, But Not Always Obvious

      The most popular model features perhaps the simplest and clearest manual releases. In the front seats, each passenger will find a mechanical handle located just in front of the window switches. The latest version of the Model Y even has a triangle with a door opening symbol to indicate its function. Pulling it straight up will manually open the door.

      More: The Dodge Charger Daytona EV Takes Inspiration from Tesla’s Hidden Manual Door Handle

      The situation in the rear seats is somewhat more complex—this theme will also recur later. Passengers in the back can locate the manual release under a small panel featuring a triangle with a car silhouette and an open door illustration. It is situated in the door pocket beneath the main handle.

      Pulling this panel up reveals a loop hidden underneath. Tugging on this loop toward the front of the car will manually release the door.

      Model 3 | Similar Methods, Different Years

      As the second most popular vehicle in the lineup, the Model 3 also has fairly straightforward manual door releases. However, this applies only to the most recent version of the Model 3.

      In every Model 3 from the 2024 model year onwards, the door releases mirror those of the Model Y. There is a handle in front of the window switches in the front seats.

      In the rear, there is a panel in the door pocket concealing a loop that will release the door. Simply remove the small panel and pull the loop forward to open the door.

      For the 2023 model year and earlier versions of the Model 3, the rear doors lack manual releases.

      Cybertruck | The Latest Follows Suit

      The newest addition to Tesla’s lineup follows the same design and function as the Model Y. Again, in front of the window switches, there is a flat handle that pulls straight up to release the front doors.

      Read: Electric Door Handles Under Global Scrutiny After Fatal EV Crashes

      In the rear, a panel in the door pocket can be completely removed. Once removed, occupants will find a loop that can be pulled toward the front of the vehicle to escape.

      Model X | The Unique Case

      The Model X presents a distinct situation in Tesla’s range. The latest version (2021+) has the same manual release for the front doors as the other models. Pull up on the handle in front of the window switches, and the door opens. However, the rear seat release handles are located in an unexpected position and aren't very intuitive to operate.

      More: Families Claim Tesla Door Handles Trapped Teens in Burning Cybertruck

      The SUV's falcon-wing doors lack a lower pocket, so rear passengers must remove the speaker grille from the door card. Once removed, a mechanical release cable will be found near the upper part of the exposed interior. Pulling it down and slightly rearward will open the door.

      This process remains consistent for the rear door in the older 2015-2020 Model X. Notably, the front doors require no special instructions.

      Tesla engineered the original Model X front door handles to function both electronically and manually. Simply grab the standard handle and pull.

      Model S | The Most Complicated Exit

      The original Model S sedan (2012-2020) also features front door handles that operate regardless of whether the car has power. In the 2021 and later Model S, the front doors incorporate the same manual release found in other Teslas, located just ahead of the front window switches.

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