These instructions apply to the Tesla Model Y (2020-2024).
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
The doors on a Tesla Model Y (2020–2024) open electrically. If the 12 V battery is flat, each door still has a mechanical release so you can get in and out. The front doors use a release lever by the window switches; the rear doors use a hidden cable, which is the one most owners don’t know about.
How to open a Model Y rear door manually
- Take the rubber mat out of the map pocket in the rear door panel.
- At the bottom of the pocket, use a fingernail or a small flat tool to open the small plastic flap.
- Pull the mechanical release cable (it’s wrapped in insulating foam) to release the door latch, then push the door open.
Use this only when the normal button won’t work — for example a dead 12 V battery. If the foam on the cable comes loose, refit it so the door trim doesn’t rattle afterwards. (The front doors don’t need this — they have a manual release lever next to the window switch.)
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a Tesla Model Y door with no power?
Front doors: pull the manual release lever by the window switches. Rear doors: open the flap in the map pocket and pull the hidden release cable.
Why do the rear doors have a hidden cable?
The rear doors have no manual lever on the trim, so the cable in the map pocket is the mechanical backup for when the 12 V battery is dead.
If the doors stopped responding because of a flat 12 V battery, see our guide on opening the frunk and replacing the 12 V battery, or check the fault code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Tesla. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.