For Tesla Owners: How to Open the Doors of a Model 3, Model S, or Cybertruck If Power Is Lost

Here’s how to open the doors if your Tesla loses power and you’re unable to exit the vehicle normally.

Tesla Model 3: Opening the Doors Without Power

Opening the Front Door

In the unlikely event of a total power loss in the Model 3, pull up on the manual door release lever located in front of the window switches.

For vehicles produced at Gigafactory Shanghai beginning around February 2025, the procedure remains the same, though trim details may differ.

Opening the Rear Door

You can manually open the rear door in the unlikely event of a power loss:

For vehicles built at Gigafactory Shanghai starting around February 2025:

At the bottom of the rear door pocket, just in front of the manual release cover, there is a small slot. Insert your finger into the slot and lift the cover to remove it. Then pull the mechanical release cable forward to open the door.

Tesla Model S: Opening the Doors Without Power

Opening the Front Door

In the unlikely event that the Model S loses power, pull up on the manual door release lever located in front of the window switches to open the front door.

Opening the Rear Door

To open a rear door without power, fold back the edge of the carpet beneath the rear seats to access the mechanical release cable.

Pull the cable toward the center of the vehicle to unlatch the door.

Tesla Cybertruck: Opening the Doors Without Power

If the Cybertruck loses low-voltage power, the electronic door release button at the top of the door handle will not function. Instead, you must use the manual door release handles.

Opening the Front Door

To open the front door without power, pull up on the manual release handle located in front of the window switches, then push the door open.

Opening the Rear Door

To manually open a rear door:

Remove the trim panel from the rear door map pocket and locate the mechanical latch.

Pull the latch straight upward.

Lift the flap (if equipped), pull the mechanical release cable forward, and push the door open.

Important: Do not use the manual door release while the vehicle is in motion.