In the choreography of getting in and out of your Tesla, the rear
right door’s electric release switch plays a quiet but crucial
role. It’s the split-second interface between a passenger’s
intention to exit and the door’s smooth, powered swing open—no
fumbling with handles, no awkward jiggling. The 1094959-01-C, with
its glossy finish, isn’t just a replacement part; it’s a
restoration of that effortless, Tesla-specific ease, right where
your rear passengers need it most.
Tesla’s choice of a high-gloss finish here does double duty:
- Visual Cohesion: It mirrors the sleekness of the dashboard, center console, and
other interior accents, creating a unified look that feels
intentional. Run your hand over it, and the smooth, reflective
surface adds a subtle touch of premium to the rear cabin—no small
detail for passengers.
- Durability in Daily Use: The gloss coating resists stains from spilled drinks or sticky
fingers, and wipes clean with a microfiber cloth. Unlike matte
finishes that can trap grime in texture, this stays crisp even
after kids, groceries, or road trips.
The switch itself is shaped to be found by touch alone. Its slight
protrusion from the door panel and rounded edge make it easy for
passengers (even those unfamiliar with the car) to locate without
looking—perfect for dark interiors or hurried exits.
This switch is wired into Tesla’s network of sensors and safety
systems, turning a simple press into a smart action:
- Powered Precision: When pressed, it sends a signal to the rear right door’s
actuator, which triggers the motorized release. The door doesn’t
just "pop"—it swings open at a controlled speed, avoiding slams or
sudden movements (a boon for tight parking spots).
- Safety Locks in Sync: It won’t budge if the car is moving over 5 mph, or if the driver
has engaged the child lock (a small red light on the switch
illuminates when locked, so passengers know why it’s unresponsive).
- Error Resistance: If the door is obstructed (say, by a curb or another car), the
switch communicates with the vehicle’s computer to pause the
release, preventing damage to the door or surrounding objects.
- No Response: Pressing the switch does nothing, even when the door unlocks from
the driver’s panel—likely a worn-out actuator signal or broken
wiring in the switch.
- Delayed Action: The door opens 2-3 seconds after pressing, or only works on the
second try—signals a failing circuit board inside the switch.
- Stuck or Stiff: The button stays depressed or requires excessive force to
press—often due to debris (like crumbs or sand) jamming the
mechanism.
- Cosmetic Wear: Chips, cracks, or a cloudy finish that breaks the door panel’s
sleek look (common with years of bags or elbows brushing against
it).
You don’t need a service center to fix this. Here’s how:
- Pry the Switch Trim: Use a plastic trim tool to gently lift the small bezel
surrounding the switch (it’s held on by 4 clips). Start at the top
to avoid scratching the glossy surface.
- Unplug the Harness: The switch connects via a 4-pin connector. Press the tab on the
side and pull to disconnect—no wires to cut.
- Pop Out the Old Switch: It’s held in place by 2 spring clips. Gently wiggle and pull it
out of the bezel (no screws, so no risk of stripping).
- Drop in the New One: The 1094959-01-C clicks into the bezel perfectly. Ensure it sits
flush—this keeps the glossy finish aligned with the door panel.
- Test and Reassemble: Plug the harness back in, snap the bezel into place, and test:
press the switch (with the car parked) to check the door opens,
then engage child lock to confirm it disables.
This isn’t a generic switch. The 1094959-01-C is calibrated to
match Tesla’s door actuator voltage (12V DC) and communication
protocols. Using an off-brand part might cause erratic
behavior—like the door opening halfway, or the touchscreen throwing
a "Rear Door Malfunction" alert. This one? It speaks the same
language as your Tesla’s systems, so it works seamlessly from the
first press.
For anyone who values the little luxuries of their Tesla—the way
everything works with you, not against you—this rear right switch is a small part that
preserves that feeling.
Tesla Model 3 2023+ Right Hand Door Latch 1738946-01-D 33x28x12mm
