Opening Hood with No Power

In the unlikely event that Model S has no low voltage power, you will be unable to open the front trunk using the touchscreen , key fob, or mobile app. To open the front trunk in this situation:

Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
Note
The following steps do not open the front trunk if Model S is locked and has low voltage power.
closeup of front tow eye cover

  1. Locate an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter).
  2. Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on the top right perimeter of the cover until it pivots inward, then gently pulling the raised section toward you.
    Front of vehicle with a zoombox and arrows indicating to press the top right corner of the tow eye cover to release it.
  3. Pull the two wires out of the tow eye opening to expose both terminals.
    Tow eye cover released with the terminals shown.
  4. Connect the low voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) terminal.
  5. Connect the low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable to the black negative (-) terminal.
    Power supply connected to the terminals.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Applying external low voltage power to these terminals only releases the hood latches. You cannot charge the low voltage battery using these terminals. Do not leave the low voltage power cables connected to the terminals for more than 30 seconds – remove from the vehicle's terminals as soon as the hood latches.
  6. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions). The hood latches are immediately released and you can now open the hood to access the front trunk area.
  7. Disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
  8. If pulling the vehicle onto a flatbed truck, do not replace the tow eye cover yet. If necessary, install the tow eye cover by inserting the wires into the tow eye opening and aligning the tow eye cover into position and snapping it into place.
    Arrow showing to install the tow eye cover.