Tesla Model 3 Rear Door Won’t Open: Troubleshooting Tips and Solutions

Opening the rear door of a Tesla Model 3 can sometimes be a challenging task for DIYers. Identifying the cause of the problem is the first step in resolving the issue. Common causes of the rear door not opening include a rusty striker plate, Child Lock mode being activated, or a misaligned door frame.

Fortunately, these issues are relatively easy to fix and can be completed in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the difficulty level of the task. In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to solve these common issues and get your Tesla Model 3 rear door opening smoothly again. Keep reading to learn more!

3 Ways to Fix When Tesla Model 3 Rear Door Won’t Open!

If you’re experiencing the issue of your Tesla Model 3 rear door not opening, don’t worry. There are several solutions you can try to fix the problem. Below are three possible solutions to consider.

Solution #1: Toggle Child Lock & Reboot the Tesla

One of the reasons why the rear door of your Tesla Model 3 might not be opening is due to the child lock option. It is a safety feature that prevents children from opening the rear door from the inside. If you accidentally turned on the child lock and forgot to turn it off, you won’t be able to open the rear door. You can try the following steps to fix the issue:

1. Go to the front door seat and access the touchpad.
2. Click on the Controls bar.
3. Hit the Locks option and then the Child Lock bar (on the left side of Windows Lock).
4. Press it to turn it off.
5. Then, hit the 2 buttons on the steering wheel (scroll keys) for 10 seconds while pressing the brake pedal. Do this until the screen goes off.
6. Sit and wait for 10 to 30 seconds to complete the steps.

It is recommended to turn on the child lock if your kids are in the back seat.

Solution #2: Align the Door Frame

If you’ve recently tried to do some DIY on your Tesla Model 3, you might have inserted the door frame wrongly, which can block the extra space that needs to open the rear door. To fix this issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Use a pry bar to detach the reflective cover on the side of the door panel. You’ll find a bolt inside and remove it using a driller.
2. Similarly, unbolt the one bolt that stands on the handle head using the same tool.
3. Underneath the door panel, you have to remove another bolt with the driller.
4. Use a small pry bar or hand force to remove the door panel.
5. Then, use the same tool to remove all the bolts that hold the door frame. Some bolts are hidden behind the glass which has holes.
6. Remove the door frame from the rear door.
7. Locate the gasket or seal under the door frame. Matching the seal line, insert the door frame back to the spot. Be sure it is properly fitted and aligned.
8. Insert all the bolts and tighten them out using the driller.
9. Attach the glasses to the holes to hide the bolts.
10. Now, align the door panel in the right proportion and put everything back into place.
11. Reboot the car and then test it out if this works or not.

Solution #3: Lube the Striker Plate or Replace It

Another reason why the rear door of your Tesla Model 3 might not be opening is due to water or freezing snow sticking in the door striker plate, causing it to catch rust. This can cause the rear door to not open as the latch gets stuck. You can try the following steps to fix this issue:

1. Open the rear door using a pry bar or go inside your car through the front door and press the open button on the touchscreen.
2. Locate the door striker plate on the piler.
3. Inspect its condition.
4. Use paint tape around the door striker plate.
5. Apply the penetrating oil through a small brush only on the metal parts, not the Tesla.
6. Let it sit for 30 seconds.
7. Close the door and then open it a few times.
8. Again, apply the penetrating oil on the metal parts and close the door. Let it sit for 10 – 30 minutes.
9. If it doesn’t work, you have to replace the striker plate.
10. Grab a flat screwdriver or torque wrench and starts to detach the 2 bolts that hold the door striker plate.
11. Remove the striker plate and install a new one.
12. Then, use a protective cap like the CoolKo striker plate cover for the door striker plate to protect the shell.
13. Close the door and open it after rebooting the car.

By trying these three solutions, you can fix the issue of your Tesla Model 3 rear door not opening.

Overall Thought

If you are experiencing an issue with the rear door of your Tesla Model 3, there are several steps you can take to fix it before resorting to costly repairs at a dealership. Following the steps outlined in this guide can help resolve the issue without the need for a technician or Tesla service department. However, if these methods do not work, it may be necessary to seek professional help. In such cases, it is recommended to use Tesla Mobile Service or visit an authorized Tesla service center for repair. It is also worth noting that if you have warranty coverage, the cost of repair may be significantly reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do if Tesla Model 3’s Rear Door Won’t Open from the Outside?

If a Tesla Model 3’s rear door won’t open from the outside, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, try to open the door from the inside using the interior handle. If that doesn’t work, check if the child lock is on. If it is, turn it off and try opening the door again. If none of these steps work, reboot the car’s computer system and try opening the door again. If the issue persists, it may be a mechanical problem that requires a visit to a Tesla service center.

How to Manually Release the Rear Door on a Tesla Model 3 if the Automatic Mechanism Fails?

If the automatic mechanism fails, you can manually release the rear door on a Tesla Model 3. First, remove the cover from the bottom of the rear door pocket. Then, pull the mechanical release cable forward to release the latch. Be careful not to use the manual door release while the vehicle is moving.

Is There an Emergency Door Release for the Tesla Model 3’s Rear Door, and How Do I Use It?

Yes, there is an emergency door release for the Tesla Model 3’s rear door. To use it, remove the cover from the bottom of the rear door pocket and pull the mechanical release cable forward to release the latch. This can be helpful in situations where the car’s battery has died or the computer system has malfunctioned.

What Common Issues Could Cause a Tesla Model 3 Rear Door to Not Open from the Inside?

There are a few common issues that could cause a Tesla Model 3 rear door to not open from the inside. One possibility is that the child lock is on, preventing the door from being opened from the inside. Another possibility is that the door handle is faulty or damaged. Finally, it could be a mechanical issue with the latch or locking mechanism.

Can Software Updates Affect the Functionality of the Tesla Model 3’s Rear Doors?

Yes, software updates can affect the functionality of the Tesla Model 3’s rear doors. In some cases, updates can cause glitches or malfunctions that affect the door’s ability to open or close properly. If you notice any issues with your rear doors after a software update, contact Tesla support for assistance.

What Should I Check for if My Tesla Model 3’s Trunk is Not Opening?

If your Tesla Model 3’s trunk is not opening, there are a few things you should check. First, make sure the car is in park and the doors are unlocked. If that doesn’t work, check the trunk release button on the key fob to see if it’s working properly. Finally, check the trunk latch to see if it’s damaged or obstructed. If none of these steps work, contact Tesla support for assistance.