Ever wondered how to safely lift your Tesla for tire rotations, brake inspections, or any underbody work? You're in the right place! Teslas, especially those with air suspension, have a sophisticated self-leveling system that needs to be disabled before lifting. This crucial step is called "Jack Mode," and it prevents potential damage to your vehicle's suspension system. Let's dive into a comprehensive guide on how to put your Tesla into Jack Mode, ensuring a safe and smooth maintenance experience.
Step 1: Understand Why Jack Mode is Essential
Before we even touch the touchscreen, let's understand why Jack Mode is so important. Tesla vehicles equipped with air suspension have a system that automatically adjusts the vehicle's height, even when the car is powered off or "asleep." This self-leveling feature, while fantastic for ride comfort and efficiency, can become a serious hazard if you attempt to lift the car without disabling it.
Imagine this scenario: You're lifting one corner of your Tesla, but the air suspension, unaware of your intentions, tries to level the car. This can lead to:
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Serious damage to the suspension components.
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Instability of the vehicle on the jack, posing a significant safety risk.
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Potential for bodily injury or even death if the vehicle shifts unexpectedly.
Jack Mode essentially tells your Tesla, "Hey, I'm about to lift you, so please stay put and don't try to adjust your height!" It locks the suspension in place, preventing any automatic leveling.
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| How To Put Tesla In Jack Mode |
Step 2: Prepare Your Tesla and Surroundings ️
Safety is paramount! Before you begin, take a few moments to prepare your vehicle and the area around it.
2.1 Find a Safe and Level Surface ️
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Choose a flat, hard, and stable surface. Avoid uneven ground, gravel, or soft asphalt. A concrete garage floor is ideal.
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Ensure there's ample space around your Tesla for you to work comfortably and safely.
2.2 Engage the Parking Brake and Secure the Vehicle ️
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Shift your Tesla into "Park" (P).
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Engage the parking brake. You can usually do this through the touchscreen (Controls > Safety & Security > Parking Brake) or by firmly pressing the brake pedal and then putting it into Park.
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For added security, consider using wheel chocks on the wheels that will remain on the ground. This prevents any unintended rolling.
2.3 Close All Doors, Frunk, and Trunk
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Make sure all doors, the front trunk (frunk), and the rear trunk are securely closed. This prevents accidental opening or damage during the lifting process.
Step 3: Access the Touchscreen Controls
Now, let's get into the vehicle's operating system to enable Jack Mode.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
3.1 Navigate to the Controls Menu ⚙️
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On your Tesla's large touchscreen display, touch the "Controls" icon. This is typically represented by a car icon at the bottom left of the screen.
3.2 Find the Service Menu
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Within the Controls menu, swipe or scroll until you find the "Service" option. Tap on it.
3.3 Activate Jack Mode ⬆️⬇️
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Inside the Service menu, you'll see the option for "Jack Mode." Tap on this to enable it.
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For models with air suspension (Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and some Model 3/Y configurations with adaptive suspension), you might first need to adjust the ride height. Tesla generally recommends setting the Ride Height to "Medium" (Controls > Dynamics > Ride Height or Controls > Suspension) before activating Jack Mode, as this provides sufficient clearance for most jacks. However, once Jack Mode is active, the ride height cannot be changed.
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You should see a confirmation on the screen indicating that Jack Mode is enabled. Some Tesla models might also display a visual cue, like a warning message or a specific icon.
Step 4: Locate the Jack Points (Crucial for Safety!)
This is arguably the most critical step for avoiding damage to your Tesla's battery pack and chassis. Teslas have specific, reinforced jacking points designed to withstand the weight of the vehicle.
4.1 Consult Your Owner's Manual
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While I can provide general guidance, always refer to your specific Tesla model's owner's manual for the exact location of the jack points. These are usually illustrated clearly.
4.2 Identify the Jack Pad Locations
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Generally, Tesla jack points are located at four specific spots along the bottom edge of the vehicle, near the wheels. They are typically small, circular or rectangular pads made of a harder material, sometimes slightly recessed.
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Do NOT place your jack directly under the battery pack or the side rails, as this can cause catastrophic and expensive damage to the battery.
4.3 Consider Using Jack Pads ️
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Many Tesla owners highly recommend using aftermarket jack pads (also known as pucks or adapters). These are specifically designed to fit into the Tesla's jack points and provide a larger, more stable surface for your jack. They also help prevent scratching or damaging the underbody.
Step 5: Safely Lift Your Tesla ⬆️
With Jack Mode enabled and jack points identified, you're ready to lift.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
5.1 Position Your Jack Correctly
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Align your hydraulic or scissor jack directly under the designated jack point. If using jack pads, ensure they are securely seated in the jack point.
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Ensure the jack is stable before you start lifting.
5.2 Slowly Raise the Vehicle ⬆️
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Gradually and carefully raise the vehicle. Keep an eye on the jack and the car to ensure everything remains stable.
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Lift only high enough to perform your desired maintenance.
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5.3 Use Jack Stands for Added Security (Highly Recommended!)
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Never rely solely on a floor jack for support when working under your vehicle.
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Once the vehicle is at the desired height, place sturdy jack stands under the designated support points near the jacking points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands until it rests securely on them.
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Always ensure the vehicle is stable on the jack stands before you begin any work. Give it a gentle shake to confirm.
Step 6: Perform Your Maintenance and Lower Safely ⬇️
Once your work is complete, it's time to bring your Tesla back down to earth.
6.1 Remove Tools and Clear the Area
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Before lowering, remove all tools, equipment, and yourself from under the vehicle.
6.2 Carefully Lift and Remove Jack Stands ⬆️↩️
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Slightly raise the vehicle with your floor jack again, just enough to remove the jack stands.
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Carefully pull the jack stands away from under the car.
6.3 Slowly Lower the Vehicle ⬇️
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Gradually and smoothly lower your Tesla using the floor jack. Do not let it drop suddenly.
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Once the wheels are on the ground, remove the jack.
Step 7: Disable Jack Mode and Verify Suspension
The final, but equally important, step is to turn off Jack Mode.
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
7.1 Disable Jack Mode on the Touchscreen ✅
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Go back to the touchscreen (Controls > Service) and toggle off "Jack Mode."
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Alternatively, simply shifting the vehicle into Drive (D) will also automatically disable Jack Mode.
7.2 Observe and Verify Suspension Behavior
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Once Jack Mode is off, you might hear the air suspension system reactivate and begin to self-level the vehicle. This is normal.
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Drive your Tesla a short distance (a few meters) at low speed on a flat surface. This allows the suspension to fully re-calibrate and settle.
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Visually inspect the vehicle's stance. Ensure it looks level and there are no abnormal sounds or warnings on the display. If you notice anything unusual, consult your owner's manual or contact Tesla service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if my Tesla has air suspension?
Most Model S and Model X vehicles come standard with air suspension. For Model 3 and Model Y, air suspension is not standard, but some performance or older variants might have it, or it could be an aftermarket modification. Check your vehicle's specifications or the suspension settings in your touchscreen. If you see "Suspension" or "Ride Height" options under "Controls," your car likely has air suspension.
How to find the exact jack points on my Tesla?
The owner's manual for your specific Tesla model is the definitive source. It will contain clear diagrams and instructions for locating the designated jack points, typically four reinforced areas along the side sills of the vehicle's undercarriage.
How to use jack pads with my Tesla?
Place the rubber or polyurethane jack pad directly into the designated jack point on your Tesla's underbody. Then, position your floor jack under the center of the jack pad. The pad acts as a buffer, protecting the delicate battery and chassis.
How to tell if Jack Mode is successfully engaged?
After selecting Jack Mode on the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Jack Mode), the display should confirm that Jack Mode is active. Some models might show a warning message or a persistent icon indicating its activation. The air suspension will stop any active leveling.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
How to reset Tesla suspension after jacking?
Simply disabling Jack Mode through the touchscreen (Controls > Service > Jack Mode) or by shifting the vehicle into Drive (D) will automatically reactivate the air suspension system. Driving a short distance helps the system re-calibrate and settle.
How to know what type of jack to use for a Tesla?
A low-profile hydraulic floor jack with a sufficient weight capacity (usually 3-ton or more) is generally recommended for Teslas due to their weight and often lower ride height. Ensure the jack can reach the designated jack points without obstruction.
How to avoid damaging the battery when lifting a Tesla?
ALWAYS use the designated jack points as outlined in your owner's manual. Never place a jack directly on the battery pack or the thin side rails, as this will cause severe and costly damage. Using jack pads is highly recommended for extra protection.
How to store my Tesla for an extended period if it's on a lift?
If storing your Tesla on a lift for an extended period, it's best to keep Jack Mode enabled to prevent the air suspension from attempting to level, which could stress components over time. Ensure the lift is stable and secure.
How to handle a flat tire without proper jacking equipment for my Tesla?
For a roadside flat, it's best to contact Tesla Roadside Assistance or a professional towing service. They have the correct equipment and expertise to safely lift your vehicle. Attempting to change a flat without proper tools and knowledge can be risky and lead to damage.
How to know if I need to perform a suspension calibration after using Jack Mode?
In most cases, a manual suspension calibration isn't needed after simply using and disabling Jack Mode. The system automatically re-levels itself. However, if you notice uneven ride height, persistent warning messages, or unusual handling after lifting, a professional service might be required to diagnose and potentially recalibrate the air suspension.
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