Replacement of the charge port latch assembly on a 2024 Model 3 Performance. The latch is the small motorized actuator that locks the charge connector into the port; this job requires removing rear interior trim to access the charge port assembly behind the left rear quarter panel.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge port latch assembly (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model 3) × 1 — Refer to Tesla EPC for current part number — supersessions are common
• Replacement plastic trim clips (as needed) × 1 — Generic Tesla interior trim clip kit

Preparation

1. TESLA SAFETY PREAMBLE: Park on level ground, place in P, engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob/phone key carried away from the vehicle (at least 3 meters). Wait a minimum of 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize — required even on non-HV jobs because waking events can re-energize accessory buses.
3. Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery. On 2024 Model 3, the low-voltage battery is typically the lithium-ion unit located under the rear seat / floor area — refer to the in-vehicle service mode location diagram. Disconnect the negative terminal first and isolate it.
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. Open the charge port door manually (press on the door's upper-left corner, or use the touchscreen before disconnecting 12V) so you have access to the latch area.
7. Confirm the charge cable is NOT plugged in. Do not attempt this job with a connector inserted.
8. Lay protective padding over the rear bumper, trunk sill, and rear quarter panel where you will be leaning.

Procedure

1. 1

   Open trunk and remove left rear trunk trim
   Open the trunk. Remove the left-side trunk side trim panel covering the rear quarter / charge port area. This is held by plastic push-pin clips and a few hidden Christmas-tree fasteners. Use a plastic trim tool — pull straight out at each clip location, do not lever against painted aluminum.
   ⚠Clips are brittle — replace any that crack.
2. 2

   Pull back trunk carpet and sound deadening
   Fold or remove the trunk floor carpet on the left side, and pull the felt sound-deadening pad away from the inner quarter panel to expose the back side of the charge port assembly. You should now see the rear of the charge port housing, the latch motor, the low-voltage harness connector(s), and the orange HV cable terminating into the port.
   ⚠️Identify the orange HV cable and mentally mark it as a no-touch zone for the rest of the job.
3. 3

   Identify the latch sub-assembly
   The latch is a small motorized actuator clipped or screwed to the rear of the charge port body. It has a single low-voltage connector (typically 2-4 pin) and a mechanical pawl that engages the connector retention notch. Confirm visually that the latch is a separate serviceable sub-assembly on this vehicle. If it is integrated into the charge port body on your specific build, the entire charge port assembly must be replaced — that is a different procedure and likely requires Tesla Toolbox for HV isolation. STOP if so.
4. 4

   Disconnect the latch low-voltage connector
   Locate the low-voltage harness connector on the latch motor. Release the locking tab and gently pull the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wires. Tuck the harness aside.
   ⚠Only disconnect the low-voltage (small, black/white) connector on the latch itself. Do not disturb any larger connector or any orange cable.
5. 5

   Remove the latch retaining fasteners
   Remove the fasteners (typically Torx screws) securing the latch actuator to the charge port body. Note the orientation and any alignment features before removal. Keep the fasteners — replacements may not be supplied with the new latch.
6. 6

   Remove the failed latch
   Carefully withdraw the latch actuator from the charge port housing. The pawl/plunger may be spring-loaded; ease it out and inspect for debris, broken plastic, or signs of moisture intrusion in the bore. Photograph the bore for reference.
7. 7

   Inspect the charge port bore and seal
   Inspect the charge port housing where the latch sits. Check for cracked plastic, water staining, or contamination from a leaking charge port door seal. If the housing itself is damaged, the full charge port assembly must be replaced (out of scope here — STOP).
8. 8

   Install the new latch actuator
   Align the new latch into the charge port housing in the same orientation as removed. Confirm the pawl moves freely and engages the retention slot. Install the retaining fasteners hand-tight first to seat the latch, then snug them.
   ℹ️No verified torque value is published for the latch actuator screws specifically. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. If unavailable, snug to a typical small plastic-to-plastic fastener spec and do not overtighten — these threads are in plastic.
9. 9

   Reconnect the low-voltage connector
   Plug the low-voltage harness connector back into the new latch until the locking tab clicks. Verify it is fully seated by gently tugging on the connector body (not the wires).
10. 10

    Tidy harness and reinstall sound deadening
    Route the harness back into its retainers. Reinstall the felt sound deadener and any acoustic padding that was moved. Confirm no wires are pinched against the orange HV cable or any sharp metal edge.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the trunk carpet on the left side.
2. Reinstall the left rear trunk side trim panel, seating each clip fully. Replace any broken clips.
3. Close the charge port door manually and confirm it sits flush.
4. Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal last). Torque the terminal to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
5. Allow the vehicle to fully wake and complete its boot sequence (touchscreen up, gateway online) before testing — typically 60-90 seconds.

Verification

• From the touchscreen, tap the charge port icon to OPEN the charge port door — confirm it pops open.
• Tap UNLOCK CHARGE PORT — listen for the latch actuator cycle (audible click).
• Plug in a charge cable (home charger or mobile connector). Confirm the latch engages and the cable cannot be pulled out by hand. Confirm the charge port LED indicates a normal connection state.
• Initiate a brief charge session (any state of charge below 100%) and confirm charging starts normally.
• Press the button on the charge handle (or use the touchscreen) to release — confirm the latch retracts cleanly and the cable can be removed.
• Check the vehicle's Service menu / Alerts list for any charge-port-related fault codes (e.g. CP_a-style alerts). Clear any stale alerts.
• Cycle the charge port door open/close 3 times via the touchscreen to confirm consistent operation.
• Note: This job does not affect any Tesla service interval. Continue to follow the 2-year brake fluid, 2-year cabin filter, and Tesla's revised drive unit fluid intervals separately.

More procedures for this vehicle