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How do you jump-start a Tesla Model S?

My Tesla just died in my driveway. What’s the easiest way to jump-start a Tesla?

avatar
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Follow these steps to jump-start a
Tesla
:
  • Step 1: Open the tow eye cover (the large circle on the front bumper driver side) by pushing on the top right of the cover and pulling it toward you.
  • Step 2: You’ll see a couple of wires attached to the cover or in the hole. Gently pull them out.
  • Step 3: Connect your external 12V jump-starter’s red positive cable to the car’s red positive cable.
  • Step 4: Connect the 12V jump starter’s black negative cable to the car’s black negative cable.
  • Step 5: Turn on the jump starter’s power until the Tesla’s frunk pops open.
  • Step 6: Disconnect the cables—black first, then red.
  • Step 7: Reconnect the wires to the tow cover and put the cover back. Make sure to align the cover into position with the bottom left corner first, and push it into place.
  • Step 8: Take off the large, black plastic panel covering the 12V battery in the frunk. 
  • Step 9: Remove the black cabin intake panel on the passenger side of the frunk by pulling upward on the clips.
  • Step 10: Connect the red positive cable to the red positive terminal on the 12V battery.
  • Step 11: Connect the black negative cable to the black negative terminal.
  • Step 12: Turn on the external power supply.
  • Step 13: Wait 10 minutes.
  • Step 14: At that point, you should be able to power up the car’s computer. You’ll see the touchscreen turn on.
  • Step 15: Disconnect the cables—black first, then red.
  • Step 16: Put both black panels back into place.
Following these steps should give you enough power to get to a charger. At the very least, you’ll have enough charge to get your Tesla into neutral or Tow Mode, so you can push it up to your house for a charge or have it towed to a station.
Worst case scenario: Contact Tesla for service if your Tesla died without warning or is having trouble holding a charge.
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