Charge Port Door Actuator

Replace the charge port door actuator on a 2024 Model 3 Long Range. The actuator is integrated with the charge port assembly behind the left rear quarter panel trim and requires partial interior trim removal for access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge port door actuator assembly (Model 3 2024) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model 3 charge port actuator — verify by VIN
• Replacement trim clips (in case of breakage during disassembly) × 4 — Generic Tesla interior trim retainer clips

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the 12V (lithium) battery is located under the rear floor area or behind the right rear seat back panel depending on build — refer to the in-vehicle service mode location for your VIN.
4. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Before disconnecting 12V: open the charge port door via the touchscreen so it is accessible for service. If the door is stuck closed, use the manual release cable located inside the trunk on the driver's side trim.
7. Have the replacement actuator on hand and confirm it matches the VIN-correct part.

Procedure

1. 1

   Open trunk and access left rear quarter trim
   Open the trunk/liftgate. Remove the left-side trunk side trim panel by carefully releasing the push-pin retainers and trim clips with a plastic trim tool. This exposes the rear of the charge port housing.
2. 2

   Locate the charge port assembly
   With the trim panel removed, locate the charge port housing on the left rear quarter. Identify the actuator motor (small electric motor attached to the door hinge mechanism) and its low-voltage harness connector. Confirm there is NO orange cabling in your work area — only black/grey low-voltage wiring should be touched.
   ⚠️If orange HV cable is visible and in your work path, stop immediately.
3. 3

   Manually release charge port door (if not already open)
   If the door is closed and the 12V is disconnected, gently pull the manual release cable/tab on the rear of the charge port housing to pop the door open. Do not force the door — excessive force will damage the hinge.
4. 4

   Disconnect actuator harness
   Depress the locking tab on the low-voltage connector going to the charge port door actuator and gently pull the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wires.
5. 5

   Remove actuator retaining hardware
   Remove the small fasteners securing the actuator to the charge port housing. The actuator is typically held by 2-3 small screws or sensor-style bolts. Support the actuator as you remove the last fastener so it does not fall into the quarter panel cavity.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove the failed actuator
   Carefully maneuver the actuator out, disengaging it from the door linkage/pin. Note the orientation and how the linkage engages the door — take a photo for reference.
7. 7

   Inspect charge port door and hinge
   With the actuator removed, inspect the charge port door hinge for wear, broken plastic, or contamination. Clean any debris from the housing. Confirm the door moves freely by hand — binding here will cause premature failure of the new actuator.
8. 8

   Install new actuator
   Engage the new actuator's linkage with the charge port door pin in the same orientation as the original. Seat the actuator against the housing.
9. 9

   Torque actuator fasteners
   Install the actuator retaining fasteners and torque to specification. Do not overtighten — the housing is plastic and threads will strip.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect actuator harness
    Reconnect the low-voltage harness to the new actuator. Confirm the connector clicks and locks fully. Route the harness in its original path — do not pinch between trim and metal.
11. 11

    Verify mechanical operation by hand
    Before reinstalling trim, gently operate the door by hand to confirm it opens, closes, and the actuator linkage moves smoothly without binding.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the left trunk side trim panel, ensuring all push-pin clips fully seat. Replace any clips that broke during removal.
2. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. Torque the terminal to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
3. Close the trunk and wait approximately 30 seconds for the vehicle's low-voltage systems to fully boot.

Verification

• Wake the vehicle and open the charge port door from the touchscreen (Controls > Charge Port). Verify the door opens smoothly and fully.
• Close the door via the touchscreen button — verify it latches firmly with no buzzing or repeated cycling sounds.
• Test opening the port using the key fob trunk button (long press) and using the button on a Tesla charge connector if available.
• Plug in a charge cable and verify the latch engages and charging initiates; unplug and verify the door closes correctly.
• Check for any charge port related alerts on the touchscreen — a 'CP_' prefix alert indicates a remaining issue.
• While the interior is apart, this is a good opportunity to confirm cabin air filter age — Tesla recommends replacement every 2 years. Brake fluid service is also a 2-year interval if not recently performed.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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