How to Turn Off the Power for a Tesla?
4 Answers
Here are the methods to turn off the power for a Tesla: 1. When completing your drive, press the button at the end of the gear stalk to shift into Park. The parking brake will activate automatically and all systems remain operational; 2. When leaving the Model S with the key, it will automatically power off, turning off the touchscreen and instrument panel; 3. Even if the driver remains seated, the Model S will automatically power down after being in Park for 15 minutes; 4. When the driver is still seated, there is no need to manually power off the Model S. This operation can also be achieved by tapping Controls > Safety & Security > Power Off. If the brake is pressed or any part of the touchscreen is touched, the Model S will automatically power back on.
I've been driving a Tesla Model 3 for two years, and I usually rely on the walk-away auto power-off feature. When I leave the car with my phone key at about 15 meters away, the car automatically locks and powers off. For manual operation, first shift to P gear to park, then tap the control icon at the top of the center screen, scroll to the bottom to find the power button, and hold it for three seconds until the screen goes completely black. Remember not to force power off while charging, as it may damage the battery. Once I was in a hurry and left before the screen fully turned off, which drained 5% of the battery, so it's best to make sure the air vents stop blowing before leaving. Tesla's design is quite convenient, but occasionally when it freezes, you'll need to use the emergency button located near the rearview mirror.
Just tried the power-off procedure for the Tesla Model Y a couple of days ago. The key is to confirm the vehicle is in Park mode, otherwise the system will issue a warning. Then locate the Safety menu on the screen, tap 'Power Off,' and wait for the system to confirm complete shutdown. If the central display freezes, there's a hidden emergency power cut-off switch beneath the glove compartment—just lift the felt cover to access it. For long-term parking, it's recommended to maintain the battery at 50% before powering down. Unlike traditional fuel vehicles, Teslas don't have an ignition button; they rely primarily on electronic system management. A service technician once mentioned that disassembling the right side of the trunk can also disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V auxiliary battery, though this is hardly necessary for regular owners.
Powering off a Tesla is actually quite simple. For daily use, just take your phone key and exit the vehicle—it will automatically power off after locking. For manual operation, first bring the car to a complete stop, then tap Controls > Safety & Security > Power Off on the screen. In case of a black screen malfunction, press the red button near the front dome light on the ceiling to force a shutdown. Note that powering off while the air conditioning is running will interrupt cooling. The emergency power cutoff switch in the trunk is only for use when the vehicle is completely unresponsive and requires removing interior trim panels.
