Hello Tesla owner! Are you looking to perform some DIY maintenance on your Model 3, like rotating tires or changing a flat? Great! But before you grab that jack, it's absolutely crucial to understand and activate "Jack Mode." This isn't just a suggestion; it's a vital step to prevent costly damage to your vehicle, especially if you have a Model S or X with air suspension (though still important for Model 3 and Y). Let's dive in!
The Importance of Jack Mode
While the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y don't have air suspension, unlike the Model S and Model X, proper jacking procedures are still paramount. For models with air suspension, "Jack Mode" disables the self-leveling feature, preventing the suspension from attempting to adjust as the car is lifted. If not disabled, this can lead to over-inflation and potentially blowing out expensive airbags, resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. Even for the Model 3, which lacks air suspension, using the correct lift points and precautions is essential to avoid damaging the underbody, especially the integrated battery pack. Damage caused by incorrect lifting is not covered by Tesla's warranty.
Essential Tools You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these items:
Jack Pads/Pucks: These are specifically designed adapters that fit into the Model 3's designated jack points. They provide a protective buffer between your jack and the car's sensitive underbody, preventing damage to the battery or chassis. Do NOT lift without them!
Floor Jack: A sturdy, reliable floor jack with adequate lifting capacity for your Model 3.
Jack Stands (Highly Recommended): For any work requiring you to be under the vehicle, jack stands are non-negotiable for safety. Never rely solely on a floor jack.
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Gloves and Safety Glasses: Always prioritize your safety.
A Flat, Level Surface: Crucial for safe and stable lifting.
Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Jack Mode and Lifting Your Model 3
Follow these instructions carefully to safely lift your Tesla Model 3.
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle for Lifting
Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your Model 3 is parked on a firm, flat, and level surface. This is critical for stability during the entire process.
Engage Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake.
Disconnect Charging Cable: Make sure the charging cable is disconnected. Never attempt to lift the vehicle while it's plugged in.
Close Doors, Front Trunk, and Rear Trunk: This prevents accidental damage during lifting or lowering.
Remove Any Objects Underneath: Double-check that there are no obstructions or debris under the vehicle.
Step 2: Access Service Mode (Pre-Jack Mode Activation)
While the Model 3 doesn't have air suspension that "freaks out" without Jack Mode, accessing Service Mode is still good practice for diagnostics and potential future needs, as some owners' manuals suggest engaging "Jack Mode" within the service menu for Model S/X. For Model 3, the key is proper placement of the jack pads, not a specific "Jack Mode" toggle for the suspension. However, entering "Service Mode" generally prevents the car from performing self-leveling or other automatic adjustments if it were equipped with air suspension.
Access the Touchscreen: Tap on the car symbol (vehicle controls) at the bottom of your Tesla's touchscreen.
Navigate to Software: Scroll down and select the "Software" tab.
Activate Hidden Access: Beneath the picture of your vehicle, you'll see the lettering of your model (e.g., "Model 3"). Press and hold the model name for approximately 5 seconds until a prompt appears.
Enter Access Code: An input field will appear. Type in "service" (without quotes) and confirm the entry.
Confirm Service Mode: A red frame will appear on the screen, and a red wrench symbol will appear in the dock bar, indicating you are now in Service Mode. Do NOT drive while in Service Mode, as some safety functions may be deactivated.
Step 3: Locating the Jack Points and Placing Jack Pads
This is arguably the most critical step for the Model 3 to prevent battery damage.
Identify Lift Points: Your Model 3 has four designated lift points. These are typically small, circular or slightly oval-shaped points located on the underbody, just inward from the sill seams, near each wheel. They are specifically designed to safely bear the weight of the vehicle.
Insert Jack Pads: Carefully insert your Tesla-specific jack pads into these four designated lift points. They should fit snugly into the holes. These pads are crucial for providing the necessary clearance and protecting the battery pack.
Step 4: Safely Lifting Your Model 3
Position Your Jack: Place your floor jack directly under the jack pad at the corner you wish to lift. If you are lifting the entire side or vehicle with a two-post lift, ensure the lift arm pads are positioned precisely under all four designated lift points.
Slow and Steady Lift: Begin to slowly raise the vehicle using the floor jack. Continuously monitor the jack pad to ensure it remains correctly seated in the lift point and doesn't slip.
Install Jack Stands (for extended work): Once the vehicle is lifted to the desired height, immediately place jack stands securely beneath the designated jack points (or other appropriate frame points if you're using a single jack to lift a corner and then placing a stand). Ensure the jack stands are rated for the vehicle's weight and are on a stable, level surface. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
Lower onto Jack Stands: Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands, ensuring they are properly supporting the vehicle's weight.
Step 5: Performing Your Maintenance
With your Model 3 safely lifted and secured, you can now proceed with your planned maintenance, whether it's a tire rotation, wheel change, or other underbody work.
Step 6: Lowering Your Model 3 and Exiting Service Mode
Raise Slightly Off Stands: If using jack stands, use your floor jack to slightly raise the vehicle off the stands.
Remove Jack Stands: Carefully remove the jack stands.
Slow and Controlled Lowering: Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground using your floor jack. Ensure no body panels or components are snagging on anything.
Remove Jack Pads: Once the vehicle is fully on the ground, remove the jack pads from the lift points.
Exit Service Mode: On the touchscreen, tap on the red wrench symbol in the dock bar. Select the exit icon (red door icon with an arrow) in the left menu bar. Press and hold the exit icon for a few seconds. The red frame will disappear, and you'll be back in normal operating mode.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find the precise jack points on a Tesla Model 3?
The jack points on a Tesla Model 3 are typically four distinct, circular or slightly oval-shaped reinforced points located on the underbody, just inside the side sills, near each wheel. They often stand slightly proud of the battery pack.
How to avoid damaging the battery when jacking up a Tesla Model 3?
Always use Tesla-specific jack pads (also called pucks) that fit into the designated lifting points. Never place a jack directly on the battery pack or the side rails.
How to know if my Tesla Model 3 is in Jack Mode?
For Model 3 (which lacks air suspension), there isn't a specific "Jack Mode" that changes suspension behavior. However, entering "Service Mode" via the touchscreen is the recommended procedure for any maintenance involving lifting the car. The red frame and wrench icon on the screen indicate Service Mode.
How to ensure safety when working under a lifted Tesla Model 3?
Always use sturdy jack stands on a level surface, and never rely solely on a floor jack. Use wheel chocks to prevent unintended movement.
How to perform a tire rotation on a Tesla Model 3?
After safely lifting the vehicle using jack pads and stands, remove all four wheels. For non-directional tires of the same size, move front tires to the opposite side in the rear, and rear tires only to the front. Reinstall the wheels and then exit Service Mode.
How to handle a flat tire on a Tesla Model 3?
Tesla Model 3s do not come with a spare tire. You can use a temporary tire repair kit if the puncture is small and on the tread, or contact Tesla Roadside Assistance for help. Always lift the vehicle safely using the proper jack points if you need to remove the wheel.
How to reset learned tire values after a tire rotation on a Tesla Model 3?
After rotating tires and exiting Service Mode, navigate to "Controls > Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires" on your touchscreen, choose the tire season, and select "Reset" to reset the learned tire values.
How to get out of Service Mode on a Tesla Model 3?
Tap the red wrench symbol in the dock bar, then select and hold the red door icon with an arrow (exit icon) in the left menu bar until the red frame disappears.
How to identify if my Tesla has air suspension (and thus needs Jack Mode)?
Model 3 and Model Y typically do not have air suspension. Model S and Model X are more likely to have it. You can check your car's "Suspension" menu on the center screen; if you can raise and lower the vehicle with a button, it has air suspension.
How to get professional help if I'm unsure about lifting my Tesla?
If you're ever unsure about properly lifting your Tesla, it's always best to contact Tesla Service or a qualified independent repair shop. Improper lifting can lead to serious damage or injury.
For a visual guide on how to properly lift your Tesla with jack pads, you can check out this video:
