Jump Starting
The procedure for jump starting differs depending on whether the low voltage battery is lead-acid or lithium-ion. To determine which battery your vehicle uses, touch
. Both procedures are provided in this section.The following instructions assume you are using an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter). If jump starting Model 3 using another vehicle, refer to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.
Jump Starting the Low Voltage (Lead-Acid) Battery
Vehicles manufactured in Gigafactory Shanghai before approximately October 2021, and in the Fremont Factory before approximately December 2021, are equipped with a Lead-Acid low voltage battery.
If jump starting Model 3 using another vehicle, refer to that vehicle manufacturer's instructions. The following instructions assume you are using an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter).
- Open the hood (see Opening the Hood with No Power).
- Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards gently but firmly to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
- Remove the cabin intake trim panel by pulling it upwards gently but firmly to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
- Connect the low
voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) terminal on the low
voltage battery.CAUTIONTo avoid damaging Model 3, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components, such as the battery tie-down bracket.
- Connect the low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable to the black negative (-) terminal on the low voltage battery.
- Turn on the external power supply
(refer to the manufacturer’s instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake it up.NoteIt may take several minutes for the touchscreen to wake up.
- When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables from the terminals on the battery, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
- Reinstall the cabin intake trim panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
- Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
- Close the hood.
If replacing the Lead-Acid battery with one of a different model, you must change the gateway configuration on your vehicle's touchscreen. See the Service Manual for more information.
Jump Starting the Low Voltage (Lithium-Ion) Battery
Vehicles manufactured in Gigafactory Shanghai after approximately October 2021, and in the Fremont Factory after approximately December 2021, are equipped with a Lithium-Ion low voltage battery.
- Open the hood (see Opening the Hood with No Power).
- Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards gently but firmly to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
- Remove the red cover and connect the external low voltage power supply’s red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) jump post. CAUTIONTo avoid damaging the vehicle, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components.
- Connect the external low voltage power supply’s black negative (-) cable to the bolt located between the brake fluid reservoir and the front trunk next to the brake fluid reservoir. The bolt is used as a grounding location for the external support.
- Turn on the external power supply
(refer to the manufacturer’s instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake the vehicle
up.NoteIt may take several minutes for the touchscreen to wake up.
- When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
- Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
- Close the hood.