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Inflation Effects
WARNING:
When airbags inflate, a fine powder is
released. This powder can irritate the skin and
should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes and
from any cuts or abrasions.
After inflation, the airbags deflate to provide a gradual
cushioning effect for the occupants and to ensure the
driver’s forward vision is not obscured.
If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has been in a
collision, your vehicle requires servicing before it will
power up. In addition, your airbags, seat belt pre-
tensioners and any associated components must be
checked, and if necessary, replaced. Contact Tesla
Service immediately.
In a collision, in addition to the airbags inflating:
• Doors unlock.
• Hazard warning lights turn on.
• Interior lights turn on.
• High voltage is disabled.
NOTE:
In some collisions, even if airbags did not inflate,
high voltage may be disabled and you will be unable to
power up and drive. Contact Tesla Service immediately.
Airbag Warning Indicator
The airbag indicator on the touchscreen
remains lit if the airbag system is
malfunctioning. The only time this indicator
should light up is briefly when Model 3 first
powers up, in which case it turns off within
a few seconds. If it remains lit, contact
Tesla immediately and do not drive.
Airbag Warnings
WARNING:
All occupants, including the driver,
should always wear their seat belts, whether or not
an airbag is also provided at their seating position,
to minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the
event of a collision.
WARNING:
Front seat occupants should not place
their arms over the airbag module, as an inflating
airbag can cause fractures or other injuries.
WARNING:
Do not use seat covers on Model 3.
Doing so could restrict deployment of the seat-
mounted side air bags if a collision occurs. It can
also reduce the accuracy of the occupant
detection system, if equipped.
WARNING:
Airbags inflate with considerable
speed and force, which can cause injury. To limit
injuries, ensure that occupants are wearing seat
belts and are correctly seated, with the seat
positioned as far back as possible. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
recommends a minimum distance of 10" (25 cm)
between an occupant’s chest and an airbag.
WARNING:
Children should not be seated on the
front passenger seat unless permitted by
regulations in your market region. Follow all
regulations in your region for the appropriate way
to seat a child based on the child's weight, size,
and age. The safest place to seat infants and
young children is in a rear seating position. Seating
an infant or child in a rear-facing child restraint
system on a seat equipped with an operational
airbag can cause serious injury or death.
WARNING:
Do not use a rear-facing child safety
seat on a seat with an operational airbag in front
of it. Doing so can cause injury or death if the
airbag inflates.
WARNING:
To ensure correct inflation of the side
airbags, maintain an unobstructed gap between an
occupant’s torso and the side of Model 3.
WARNING:
Passengers shouldn't lean their heads
against doors. Doing so can cause injury if a
curtain airbag inflates.
WARNING:
Do not allow passengers to obstruct
the operation of an airbag by placing feet, knees
or any other part of the body on or near an airbag.
WARNING:
Do not attach or place objects on or
near the front airbags, the side of the front seats,
the headliner at the side of the vehicle, or any
other airbag cover that could interfere with
inflation of an airbag. Objects can cause serious
injury if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough
to cause the airbag to inflate.
WARNING:
Following inflation, some airbag
components are hot. Do not touch until they have
cooled.
Airbags
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MODEL 3 Owner's Manual