Have you ever found yourself in the back seat of a Tesla, perhaps admiring the sleek interior or the expansive glass roof, only to realize you're unsure how to get out? Don't worry, you're not alone! Teslas, with their advanced technology and minimalist design, have a slightly different approach to door mechanisms compared to traditional cars. This guide will walk you through exactly how to exit a Tesla's backseat, covering both normal operation and those rare, but important, emergency situations. Let's get you out of there!
Step 1: Understanding Tesla Door Mechanisms
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand why Tesla doors are different. Unlike conventional cars with mechanical levers, Teslas primarily use electronic door releases. This means a small button on the door handle activates an electronic latch to open the door. While this offers a clean aesthetic and allows for features like "walk-away door lock," it also means you need to know where the manual emergency release is in case of a power failure.
1.1 The Standard Electronic Release
Locating the Button: In most Tesla models (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X), the primary way to open the rear door from the inside is by pressing a button located at the top of the interior door handle. It often has a small door icon on it.
How it Works: Simply press this button while simultaneously pushing the door open. It's a two-part action: press the button to release the electronic latch, and then push the door to swing it open.
Step 2: Emergency Exit Procedures (When There's No Power)
This is the most critical part of understanding Tesla doors, as it addresses situations where the vehicle loses electrical power, rendering the electronic release buttons inoperable. The exact location of the manual release varies slightly by model.
2.1 Model 3 and Model Y Emergency Release
Locating the Release: For Model 3 and Model Y, the manual release for the rear doors is typically hidden. It's usually located at the bottom of the rear door pocket. You might need to feel around or even remove a rubber mat from the door pocket.
Accessing the Cable: Look for a small slot or cover in front of the door pocket. Slide your finger into the slot and lift to remove the cover. Beneath it, you'll find a mechanical release cable.
Operating the Release: Pull this mechanical release cable forward to unlatch the door. Once unlatched, you can then push the door open.
Important Note: Some earlier Model 3 vehicles might have a less accessible manual release behind the door trim, potentially requiring modification for easier access. However, newer models generally have the slot in the door pocket.
2.2 Model S Emergency Release
Locating the Release: In a Model S, the rear door emergency release is usually located under the carpet on the floor, just below the front edge of the rear seat.
Accessing the Cable: You'll need to fold back the edge of the carpet to expose the mechanical release cable.
Operating the Release: Once exposed, pull the mechanical release cable toward the center of the vehicle. This will unlatch the door.
2.3 Model X Emergency Release
Locating the Release: For the Model X's unique Falcon Wing doors, the emergency release is found behind the speaker cover on the door itself.
Accessing the Cable: Carefully remove the speaker grille from the door. You should be able to do this with your hands.
Operating the Release: Once the grille is off, you'll see a mechanical release cable. Pull this cable down and towards the front of the vehicle. After the latch is released, you can then manually lift the Falcon Wing door up.
Step 3: Checking for Child Locks
Teslas, like many modern cars, come equipped with child locks on the rear doors. If these are engaged, the interior electronic release buttons will not work, even with power. The emergency mechanical release, however, should still function.
Disabling Child Locks: Child locks are managed through the touchscreen. Go to Controls > Locks > Child Lock. You can usually choose to engage child locks on both rear doors, or individually for the left or right door. If you're having trouble opening the door and the car does have power, always check this setting.
Step 4: Practice and Familiarization
The best way to ensure you can get out of a Tesla's backseat in any situation is to practice!
Familiarize Yourself: Take a moment when you're in the back seat to locate the standard electronic release button.
Locate the Emergency Release: Even if you don't use it, know where the manual emergency release is for your specific Tesla model. It might be slightly different for various model years, so consult the owner's manual if unsure.
Educate Passengers: If you frequently have passengers in the back, especially children, take a moment to show them how to exit the car, particularly emphasizing the emergency release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to open Tesla back door when it has power?
To open a Tesla rear door when the car has power, simply press the button located at the top of the interior door handle while simultaneously pushing the door open.
How to open Tesla back door when there is no power?
When there is no power, you must use the mechanical emergency release. Its location varies by model: Model 3/Y is typically in the door pocket, Model S is under the carpet near the seat, and Model X is behind the speaker grille on the Falcon Wing door.
How to disable child locks on a Tesla?
You can disable child locks on a Tesla via the touchscreen by navigating to Controls > Locks > Child Lock.
How to know if child locks are engaged in a Tesla?
If child locks are engaged, the rear doors cannot be opened from the inside using the electronic release button, even if the car has power. You will typically see an indicator on the touchscreen.
How to find the emergency release cable in a Tesla Model 3?
In a Tesla Model 3, the emergency release cable is usually found at the bottom of the rear door pocket, under a small cover or rubber mat.
How to access the emergency release in a Tesla Model X?
For a Tesla Model X, the emergency release for the Falcon Wing doors is located behind the speaker grille on the door. You need to carefully remove the grille to access the cable.
How to prevent accidental use of the emergency release?
The manual emergency releases are designed for power loss situations. Avoid using them for routine exits, as this can potentially cause damage or even prevent the window from lowering, which can damage the window when the door is closed.
How to ensure children can exit in an emergency?
Regularly check that child locks are not permanently engaged if you want children to be able to exit independently, and always instruct them on how to use the emergency release.
How to distinguish between different Tesla model emergency releases?
Refer to your specific Tesla model's owner's manual for the most accurate and detailed instructions on locating and operating the emergency rear door release.
How to re-engage the door after using the emergency release?
Once you've used the mechanical emergency release, simply close the door firmly. The latch should reset automatically once power is restored.
