Tesla Model X: Instructions for Transporters

Do Not Transport with Wheels on the Ground

The front and rear motors in Model X generate power when the wheels spin. Always transport Model X with all four tires off the ground. Ensure that the tires are unable to spin at any time during transport.

WARNING: NEVER TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE WITH THE TIRES IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CAN SPIN. DOING SO CAN LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND OVERHEATING. IN RARE CASES EXTREME OVERHEATING MAY CAUSE THE SURROUNDING COMPONENTS TO IGNITE.

Do not transport Model X using any method that is not specified by Tesla. Adhere to the instructions provided in the following sections and observe all warnings and cautions provided. Damage caused by improper transporting of your vehicle is not covered by the warranty.

NOTE: Tesla is not liable or responsible for reimbursing services not dispatched through Tesla Roadside Assistance.

Approved Methods for Transporting

A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model X. The vehicle can face either direction when using a flatbed.

If Model X must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle faces forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.

NOTE: Transporting Model X with the front wheels on dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an external steering yoke lock is applied and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from spinning.

CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF ANY OF THE WHEELS SPINNING.

CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode) before winching Model X onto a flatbed truck. If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model X, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.

NOTE: Transport Mode is only intended to allow for winching Model X onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.

WARNING: Model X is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a collision (see High Voltage Components). Before transporting Model X, it is important to assume these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.

Disable the Self-Leveling Air Suspension System

NOTE: If Model X has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to use the touchscreen. See If Vehicle Has No Power.

Your Model X is equipped with an air suspension system that automatically self-levels the vehicle, even when power is off. To prevent damage, you must activate Jack mode to disable self-leveling:

1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the touchscreen.

2. Press the brake pedal, and then touch Very High to maximize height.

3. Touch Controls > Service > Jack Mode.

NOTE: Jack mode cancels when driving speed exceeds 4 mph (7 km/h).

Activate Transport Mode

Transport Mode keeps the parking brake disengaged while winching Model X onto a flatbed truck. When active, Transport Mode displays a message indicating that the vehicle will remain free-rolling. The following are required to enable Transport Mode:

• Low voltage power. You are unable to use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode if Model X has no power.
• Model X must detect a key. Transport Mode is available only when a key is detected.

To activate Transport Mode:

1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park.

2. Chock the tires and make sure Model X is secure.

3. Press and hold the brake pedal, and then on the touchscreen, touch Controls > Service > Towing. The touchscreen displays a message reminding you how to properly transport Model X.

4. Press and hold the Transport Mode button until it turns blue. Model X is now free-rolling and can slowly be rolled (no faster than walking speed) for short distances or winched.

To cancel Transport Mode, shift Model X into Park.

NOTE: If the electrical system is not working, and you therefore cannot use the touchscreen to activate Transport Mode, use self-loading dollies or tire skates. Before doing so, always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended loading capacity.

Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Front (Using Tow Eye)

NOTE: If Model X has no low voltage power, you need an external low voltage power supply to open the hood or use the touchscreen. See If Vehicle Has No Power.

CAUTION: To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

1. Locate the tow eye. The tow eye is located in the front trunk.

2. To remove the tow eye cover, insert a small, flat screwdriver into the top and bottom slots, release the snaps and pull the cover towards you.

NOTE: The front tow eye cover is connected to the vehicle's black negative (-) terminal.

3. Fully insert the tow eye into the opening, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.

4. Attach the winch cable to the tow eye.

CAUTION: Before pulling, make sure the tow eye is securely tightened.

5. Activate Transport Mode.

6. Pull Model X slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Pull onto the Flatbed Truck From Front (Without Tow Eye)

CAUTION: To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

WARNING: If the vehicle is pulled onto the flatbed truck using this method, all suspension fasteners should be checked for proper torque and all components should be visually inspected for damage prior to driving the vehicle again. If a fastener is loose, or if any damage is found, the affected component(s) should be replaced.

It is strongly recommended that you connect the winch to your vehicle's tow eye, as described previously. However, if a situation arises in which the tow eye is not available (lost, misplaced, etc.), the following instructions describe how to attach tow straps.

1. Attach the tow straps to each of the lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.

2. To protect the underbody from damage, place a protective barrier (such as a piece of wood) between the tow strap and underbody.

3. Activate Transport Mode.

4. Pull Model X slowly onto the flatbed truck.

Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Rear

CAUTION: To avoid damage, only pull the vehicle onto a flatbed truck using a properly-installed tow eye. Using the tow hitch, chassis, frame, or suspension components to pull the vehicle can result in damage.

NOTE: Make sure Transport Mode is activated prior to pulling Model X onto the flatbed truck.

It is strongly recommended that you connect the winch to your vehicle's tow eye, as described previously. However, if a situation arises in which the vehicle must be pulled from the rear, Tesla recommends attaching the winch to the tow hitch. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on how to connect the tow hitch.

Secure the Tires

The vehicle's tires must be secured onto the truck using the eight-point tie-down method.

• Ensure any metal parts on the tie-down straps do not contact painted surfaces or the face of the wheels.
• Do not place tie-down straps over body panels or through the wheels.

CAUTION: Attaching the tie-down straps to the chassis, suspension or other parts of the vehicle's body may cause damage.

If Vehicle Has No Power

If Model X has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the auxiliary low voltage battery.

Jump Starting the Low Voltage Battery

CAUTION: Model X cannot be used to jump start another vehicle. Doing so can result in damage.

NOTE: If jump starting Model X using another vehicle, refer to that vehicle manufacturer's instructions. The following instructions assume an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter) is used.

CAUTION: Avoid short circuits when jump starting Model X. Connecting cables to the wrong jump post, touching leads together, etc., can result in damage to Model X.

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.

3. On top of the low voltage battery, lift the locking tab that attaches the electrical connector to the connector housing.

NOTE: The appearance of the electrical connector and connector housing may vary, but the procedure remains the same.

4. On top of the low voltage battery, pull the connector housing to the left. The electrical connector releases from the low voltage battery.

5. Release the cover from the red positive (+) jump post, and then connect the low voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) jump post.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging Model X, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components.

6. Connect the low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable to the vehicle in the location shown.

7. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer's instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake it up.

NOTE: It may take several minutes to receive enough power to wake up the touchscreen.

8. When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.

9. On top of the low voltage battery, push the connector housing towards the electrical connector so that the electrical connector engages the low voltage battery.

10. On top of the low voltage battery, push down the locking tab that attaches the electrical connector to the connector housing.

11. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.

12. Close the hood.