Tesla Model Y: Removing Ice From Door Handle
In severe winter conditions, ice buildup within the door handle can prevent the door handle from opening. The process for freeing a Model Y door handle is slightly different than other door handles; you can usually remove the ice with a few forceful bumps to the door handle using the bottom of your fist.
CAUTION: Remove any jewelry or objects that can damage the paint prior to performing the procedure, and do not attempt to use tools or excessive force.
NOTE: Preemptively applying WD-40 to the door handle pivot pins can help prevent ice buildup inside your door handle.
Perform the following to remove ice from the door handle:
1. Press the frontmost part of the door handle to initially try release light or moderate ice buildup.
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2. Forcefully press the rear-most part of the door handle to try to open the door handle.
3. Working in a circular pattern around the perimeter of the door handle, use the bottom of your fist to forcefully bump the door handle to break and release the ice buildup.
4. Aiming for the rearmost end of the wide part of the door handle, use the bottom of your fist to forcefully bump the door handle. Increase the intensity of the bumps as necessary, repeating steps 1 through 3 until the ice is removed and the door handle can be opened.
CAUTION: Never bump the vehicle so hard as to cause a dent; the force used should be similar to knocking on your neighbor's front door.
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5. Once the door handle is able to move, open and close it a few more times to release any remaining ice buildup. Make sure the door handle is fully pressed in (retracted) prior to entering the vehicle, and check that the door is fully closed before driving away.
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Applying WD-40 to Door Handle Pivot Pins
In severe winter conditions, applying WD-40 to door handle pivot pins can
help prevent ice buildup that might immobilize the handle. Consider applying
WD-40 to the door handle pivot pins if you are
While Driving
Cold weather can increase energy consumption because
more power is required for driving, cabin and Battery
heating. Follow these suggestions to reduce energy
consumption:
Use seat heaters to keep
After Driving
Leave Model Y plugged in when not in use. This uses the
charging system, rather than the Battery itself, to keep
the Battery warm (see High Voltage Battery Information).
Scheduled Departure
When par
SEE MORE:
Software
Learn more about your Model Y and the status of
software updates:
Get more information about your Model Y such as the
VIN, vehicle name, and odometer. Touch Additional
vehicle information to display a list of the various
options your vehicle is equipped with.
View your current software ver
Auto Opening and Closing
To operate a HomeLink device without using the
touchscreen, you can automate the device to open as
you approach, and close as you drive away:
1. Touch the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls
screen, then choose the device you want to
automate.
2. Select the Auto-open when arriving checkbox
