Tesla Model X 12V Battery Replacement
A Tesla Model X 12V battery replacement will cost up to $300—if it’s not covered under warranty.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Pat Roache
Replacing the 12-volt battery on your Tesla Model X should only cost around $300. However, it may be covered under Tesla’s warranty.
The Tesla Model X is a luxury SUV that has some exciting tech features controlled by the huge touchscreen infotainment system in the front and small display screens in the rear. But what powers all of those handy systems?
This 12-volt battery powers your Tesla’s lights, doors, windows, and touchscreen. It will likely need to be replaced once every few years, but you won’t be able to use your
car insurance
to cover it. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for a replacement, plus some tips on switching out the battery if you choose to do it yourself!How much does it cost to replace a Tesla Model X 12V battery?
You’ll likely pay around $300 to replace the 12-volt battery in your Model X.
This is an estimate, as what you pay will depend on your mechanic’s labor costs and if there are extra costs for ordering specialized parts.
However, you may not have to pay anything for the
12-volt battery replacement
if your Model X is still under warranty. Tesla provides an 8-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty with every model. So if your Tesla is under eight years old, it’s likely that your battery replacement will be covered.To get your battery replaced under warranty, make sure you take your Model X to a Tesla service center or authorized Tesla mobile technician.
Can you change the 12V battery in a Model X on your own?
Because the 12-volt battery in the Model X is an auxiliary battery that powers the electronics in your Tesla, it is an easier swap to make than changing out the main 100 kWh 360 V lithium-ion battery.
However, changing out the 12-volt battery yourself can mess with your warranty, especially if something is damaged or goes wrong as a result of an improper installation. You should always take your Tesla in for warranty-covered services.
If your warranty has run out and you feel comfortable with doing the battery replacement on your own, you can follow these steps to replace the 12V battery in your Model X:
- Gather the replacement battery and a 10mm ratchet.
- Turn off the Model X and open all the doors and windows.
- Disconnect the high voltage cord (you can find it by opening your back seats and under a black plastic cover). It’s a thick black cord with a silver attachment. Pull the cord to disconnect the high voltage. This step is essential to avoid electrocution. If you do not feel safe, take your Tesla to the professionals instead.
- Open your hood and remove the plastic cover closest to the windshield.
- Remove the air vent on the passenger’s side.
- Remove the bolts that attach to the battery brackets, first the driver’s side bolt, then the passenger’s side bolt. Then, remove the large bracket in the middle.
- Remove the negative terminal first to avoid sparking then disconnect the positive terminal.
- Take out the old 12V battery.
- Install the new 12V battery.
- Reattach the brackets.
- Attach the positive terminal first and then the negative terminal.
- Reattach the bolts on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the battery.
- Replace the air vent and plastic cover.
- Reconnect the high-voltage cord.
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Tesla Model X battery capacity
The 12V battery in the Model X has a 6.9 Ah capacity, or only 0.1 kWh of energy. That’s only slightly higher than what you’d find in a normal 12.8V lead-acid battery.
How long does a Tesla Model X 12V battery last?
A typical 12-volt battery will last about three years. However, there are a few things you can do to extend the battery life on your Model X:
- Avoid high temperatures. You can’t escape warm weather altogether, but parking in a shaded area can minimize the battery degradation that results from extra heat.
- Skip the fast charger. This is more for your Model X’s main battery, but using Tesla superchargers can put more strain on your battery. Instead, charge at home or with a Level 2 charger to take the pressure off.
- Don’t shoot for a full charge. Another charging tip—fill your main battery to about 80% instead of 100%. It may seem counter-intuitive, but the lower charge keeps your battery life healthier.
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