Replace the charge port latch assembly on a 2024 Model 3 Long Range. The latch is the small motorized actuator that secures the J1772/NACS connector during charging; failure typically presents as a connector that won't lock or won't release.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge port latch actuator assembly (Model 3 2024) × 1 — OEM Tesla charge port latch — refer to current Tesla parts catalog for 2024 Model 3
• Replacement plastic clips/fasteners (rear interior trim) × 1 — as needed if original clips break during removal

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the 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 (or Li-ion low-voltage) battery. On 2024 Model 3 the LV battery is typically located behind the right rear seat back panel; some 2024+ builds use a lithium LV pack under the floor — verify location before disassembly.
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. Confirm the vehicle is unplugged from any charging source.
7. Open the charge port door manually (touchscreen 'Open Charge Port' before LV disconnect, or use the manual release cable if the latch has already failed).
8. Open the trunk and remove any cargo to access the left-rear interior trim panels surrounding the charge port.
9. Cover the rear bumper and quarter panel paint with a soft fender cover to prevent scratches during trim removal.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the charge port from inside the trunk
   From inside the trunk, remove the left-side trunk trim panel covering the charge port assembly. Release the plastic push-pin fasteners and clips with a plastic trim tool. Set the trim aside carefully — clips break easily on cold panels.
2. 2

   Identify the charge port assembly and HV boundary
   Locate the charge port housing. You will see two heavy orange-jacketed HV cables entering the rear of the housing along with smaller low-voltage signal connectors. The latch motor is a small actuator on the side of the charge port body driven by an LV harness only. DO NOT disconnect the orange HV cables — only the small LV connectors are needed for latch service.
   ⚠️If the latch cannot be accessed without removing the orange HV connectors or the full charge port body, STOP. Full charge port removal requires HV de-energization per Tesla service procedure and is outside DIY scope.
3. 3

   Disconnect the latch low-voltage harness
   Locate the small low-voltage connector feeding the latch actuator. Depress the locking tab and gently pull the connector free. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or push-back — a common failure mode that mimics a bad latch.
4. 4

   Remove the latch actuator from the charge port body
   Remove the manufacturer-specified fasteners securing the latch actuator to the charge port housing. Depending on production date this may be 2-3 small Torx screws or a clip-and-screw arrangement. Note orientation before removal — the latch pawl must reinstall in the same direction.
5. 5

   Inspect the charge port body and pawl interface
   With the latch removed, inspect the pawl pocket on the charge port body for debris, ice damage, or wear. Clean with a dry brush only — no solvents that could contact HV pins. Verify the manual release cable (yellow pull-cable) is still intact and routes properly to the trunk pull point.
6. 6

   Install the new latch actuator
   Position the replacement latch in the same orientation as the original. Hand-thread its fasteners first to avoid cross-threading the plastic charge port body. Tighten the latch mounting screws to the manufacturer-specified value — refer to Tesla Service Manual; do not overtighten as the housing is reinforced plastic.
   ⚠Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. Overtightening will crack the charge port housing.
7. 7

   Reconnect the LV harness
   Reseat the low-voltage connector to the new latch until it clicks. Confirm the locking tab is fully engaged and the harness is routed away from the latch's moving pawl.
8. 8

   Verify manual release operation
   Before reinstalling trim, pull the manual emergency release cable inside the trunk and confirm the new latch's pawl moves freely to the released position and returns when the cable is released. This must work because it is the only way to release a stuck connector if the actuator fails again.
9. 9

   Verify charge port mounting integrity
   If any charge port body fasteners were loosened for access, retorque them. Use the verified spec for the charge port mounting hardware.
   Torque spec

   Charging Port Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the left-side trunk trim panel, seating all clips fully — listen for each clip to click home.
2. Replace any clips that broke during disassembly; do not reuse damaged fasteners.
3. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery. Torque the negative terminal hardware to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
4. Close the trunk and verify the charge port door still opens via the touchscreen and via the key fob/app commands.

Verification

• From the touchscreen, command the charge port door open and closed several times and listen for the latch actuator cycling.
• Plug a charge cable in (Mobile Connector or home wall connector). Confirm the latch engages — the cable should not pull out when tugged.
• Initiate a charge stop from the screen and confirm the latch releases automatically and the cable can be withdrawn.
• Pull the manual release cable in the trunk while a connector is inserted (with charging stopped) and confirm the connector releases — this is the failsafe and must function.
• Check the vehicle's service alerts page on the touchscreen — clear any latch-related faults. If a fault persists after a successful mechanical test, a Tesla Service Center visit may be required for charge port ECU re-pairing.
• While in this area, note Tesla's broader 2024 Model 3 service cadence: brake fluid every 2 years, cabin air filter every 2 years, tire rotation every ~6,250 mi, and rear drive unit fluid inspection per Tesla's updated (non-'lifetime') schedule.

More procedures for this vehicle