Tesla door won't open: the manual release and what to do next

From inside

Model 3 and Model Y: front doors

Pull up the manual door release in front of the window switches¹². Use it only when the car has no power or it is otherwise necessary: when the car has power, use the button at the top of the interior handle¹.

Tesla warns never to use the manual release while the car is moving¹.

Rear doors

Model 3 and Model Y: rear doors

1. At the bottom of the rear door pocket, slide a finger into the slot in front of the release cover and lift the cover off.
2. Pull the mechanical release cable forward.

These are the steps in Tesla's manuals¹². Show passengers, especially anyone who travels in the back, where this is.

Take care

Why the window or trim can get damaged

Normally the frameless window drops slightly as the door opens. With the manual release it does not, so the window or trim can be damaged¹. That is why Tesla says to use it only when needed. If your car has a different model or year, check the owner's manual on your touchscreen, as releases differ between models.

Next steps

Why did the door stop working?

The most common reason the doors stop responding is a failing low-voltage (12V or 16V) battery. Read our low-voltage battery guide. Other causes include a phone key that isn't connecting (see phone key troubleshooting) or a fault in the door latch or handle itself, which a Tesla Service Centre or an EV specialist can diagnose.

Sources

Where this information comes from

1. Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual: Opening doors with no power
2. Tesla Model Y Owner's Manual (UK): Opening doors with no power