Replace the charge port door actuator on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The actuator is integrated with the charge port assembly on the driver-side rear quarter; access requires removing the rear wheel liner and partial trunk trim to reach the charge port mounting and connector.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge Port Door Actuator Assembly (Model 3, North America NACS-compatible 2024) × 1 — Tesla OEM charge port door actuator — confirm exact part by VIN at parts counter
• Replacement plastic trim clips/retainers (in case of breakage during disassembly) × 1 — Tesla-spec interior/wheel liner clips — generic

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. Confirm the vehicle is not plugged in and no scheduled charge is active.
4. Open the charge port door from the touchscreen (Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port) so it is unlatched before power-down — this makes mechanical access easier if the actuator has failed in the closed position.
5. Disconnect the low-voltage 12V battery. On 2024 Model 3 it is located behind the right rear seat back panel (some 2024 builds use a lithium 12V under-floor unit — verify before cutting access). Remove negative terminal first.
6. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
7. 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.
8. Tape the painted edge around the charge port door opening to prevent scratches during removal.
9. Have the replacement actuator on hand and verify it matches the original connector style and mounting pattern before disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear quarter / charge port area
   Open the trunk and remove the driver-side (left) rear trunk side trim panel by releasing the plastic push-pin retainers and trim clips with a plastic pry tool. Pull the trim away gently — there are no electrical connectors on this panel on Model 3. Set hardware aside in a labeled container.
2. 2

   Remove the driver-side rear wheel liner (partial)
   Turn the steering and access the rear of the driver-side rear wheel well. Remove the rear-most section of the wheel liner by removing the Torx fasteners and plastic clips along its trailing edge. Only the rear portion needs to be released or removed to access the back of the charge port housing.
   ⚠If the vehicle is on a lift, ensure Tesla-approved lift pad locations are used. Do not lift on the battery pack or rocker pinch welds.
3. 3

   Identify the charge port assembly and actuator
   Looking through the wheel-well opening and trunk side opening, locate the rear of the charge port housing. The actuator is the small motor/linkage attached to the charge port door hinge mechanism. Identify its low-voltage connector and any mounting screws securing it to the charge port body. Visually trace cabling — confirm none of the orange HV charge inlet cabling is being disturbed.
   ⚠️The thick orange cables entering the charge port inlet are HV. Do not loosen, pull, or disconnect them under any circumstances.
4. 4

   Disconnect the actuator low-voltage connector
   Release the locking tab on the actuator's low-voltage harness connector and unplug it. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or melted plastic — if present, photograph and note before installing the new actuator, as it may indicate a harness issue.
5. 5

   Remove the actuator from the charge port assembly
   Remove the fasteners securing the actuator to the charge port housing. Note orientation and any alignment features before removal. If the actuator is linked to the door via a small lever or pin, disengage it carefully without forcing — broken linkage tabs will require full charge port assembly replacement.
   ⚠Do not pry against the painted charge port door or surrounding paint. Support the door with one hand while removing the actuator.
6. 6

   Compare old and new actuator
   Place the failed actuator next to the replacement. Confirm: connector style, mounting hole pattern, lever/pin orientation, and resting position of the drive output. If any difference exists, STOP — the wrong part has been supplied. Verify by VIN before proceeding.
7. 7

   Install the replacement actuator
   Position the new actuator into the charge port housing, engaging the door linkage in the same orientation as removed. Hand-thread all fasteners before final tightening to avoid cross-threading the plastic housing. Torque the actuator mounting fasteners to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. If the actuator is secured by the charge port housing fasteners themselves, use the charging port mounting torque.
   ⚠These threads land in plastic/light alloy. Over-torquing will strip the housing and require full charge port assembly replacement.
   Torque spec

   Charging Port Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect the actuator harness
   Plug the low-voltage connector into the new actuator until the locking tab clicks fully home. Tug-test gently to confirm latch. Route the harness back into its original retainer clip so it does not contact the moving door linkage.
9. 9

   Manual function check (pre-power)
   Before reinstalling trim, manually cycle the charge port door by hand (gently) to confirm the new linkage moves freely and the door seats flush with the body when closed. There should be no binding and the door should sit within ~1 mm of the surrounding paint.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear wheel liner section, reusing original Torx fasteners and clips. Replace any clips that broke during removal.
2. Reinstall the trunk side trim panel, ensuring all push-pin retainers seat fully — a loose panel will rattle on rough roads.
3. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (positive first, then negative). Torque battery terminals to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
4. Close the trunk. Allow the vehicle ~1-2 minutes to fully wake and re-initialize systems before testing.
5. Remove protective tape from around the charge port door opening.

Verification

• From the touchscreen: Controls > Charging > Open Charge Port. The door should swing open smoothly within ~1 second with no grinding or hesitation.
• Press the button on the charge port door itself (with vehicle awake) — the door should open. Press again to close. Repeat 3-5 cycles to confirm consistent operation.
• Press the button on a Tesla charge cable (or NACS adapter) near the port — the door should open from the cable button.
• Plug in a charge cable and confirm the latch engages and a charge session initiates (even briefly). Then unlatch via the touchscreen or cable button.
• Inspect the closed door for flush fitment with the surrounding bodywork — gap should be even top-to-bottom.
• Check the touchscreen for any new alerts (e.g. CP_a/CP_w charge port faults). If any appear and persist after a full vehicle sleep cycle (leave locked, fob away, 15+ minutes), Tesla service may be required to clear them.
• Note: this repair is not part of any Tesla scheduled service interval. However, while the rear interior trim is open, this is a convenient time to verify 12V battery age (typically 3-5 years for AGM, longer for Li-ion) and confirm cabin air filter is within its 2-year replacement interval.

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