Tesla Model S: If Vehicle Has No Power

If Model S has no low voltage power, perform the following steps to open the hood or jump start the auxiliary low voltage battery.

Jump Starting the Low Voltage Battery

CAUTION: Model S cannot be used to jump start another vehicle. Doing so can result in damage.

NOTE: If jump starting Model S using another vehicle, refer to that vehicle manufacturer's instructions. The following instructions assume an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter) is used.

CAUTION: Avoid short circuits when jump starting Model S. Connecting cables to the wrong jump post, touching leads together, etc., can result in damage to Model S.

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.

3. On top of the low voltage battery, lift the locking tab that attaches the electrical connector to the connector housing.

NOTE: The appearance of the electrical connector and connector housing may vary, but the procedure remains the same.

4. On top of the low voltage battery, pull the connector housing to the left. The electrical connector releases from the low voltage battery.

5. Release the cover from the red positive (+) jump post, and then connect the low voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) jump post.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging Model S, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components.

6. Connect the low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable to the vehicle in the location shown.

7. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer's instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake it up.

NOTE: It may take several minutes to receive enough power to wake up the touchscreen.

8. When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.

9. On top of the low voltage battery, push the connector housing towards the electrical connector so that the electrical connector engages the low voltage battery.

10. On top of the low voltage battery, push down the locking tab that attaches the electrical connector to the connector housing.

11. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.

12. Close the hood.

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