Replace the charge port latch assembly on a 2024 Model S Plaid. The latch is the small motor/solenoid mechanism that secures the charge connector in the port; failure typically presents as a connector that won't lock or won't release.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge port latch assembly (Model S Plaid, NACS/Tesla port) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified charge port latch — verify by VIN
• Replacement push-pin / clip retainers (as needed) × 4 — OEM body clips

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the 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. Open the charge port door from the touchscreen BEFORE disconnecting low-voltage power (the latch will be easier to access with the door open).
4. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V (or 16V Li-ion if equipped) low-voltage battery under the nose cowl panel. On Plaid trims with the 16V Li-ion located under the rear seat, disconnect there instead — verify your VIN configuration.
5. DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
6. 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.
7. Mask the painted area around the charge port with low-tack painter's tape.
8. Open the rear trunk and pull back the driver-side (left) trunk trim/liner to expose the back side of the charge port assembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the charge port from inside the trunk
   From the rear trunk, release the fasteners and clips holding the left rear interior trim panel and carpet. Carefully fold back the trim to expose the rear of the charge port housing. Use plastic trim tools only — do not pry against the aluminum inner structure.
2. 2

   Identify HV vs LV connectors
   Locate the charge port assembly. You will see large gauge orange HV cables terminating at the charge inlet — DO NOT disturb these. The charge port latch is a small electromechanical actuator on the side of the inlet body, connected by a small low-voltage signal connector (typically a 4-6 pin plug). Confirm visually that you are working only on the LV latch motor and harness.
   ⚠️If the latch is integrated with HV contactor hardware on your specific build, STOP. This becomes an HV-trained job.
3. 3

   Disconnect the latch low-voltage connector
   Depress the locking tab and unplug the low-voltage harness connector going to the latch actuator. Inspect the pins for corrosion or water intrusion — a common failure mode on charge port latches.
4. 4

   Remove the charge port cover/access screws (if equipped)
   If your assembly uses an access cover over the latch mechanism, remove the cover screws. Set hardware aside in order.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove latch sensor (if separate)
   If the latch position sensor is a separate serviceable part on this build, remove its retaining bolts and set it aside on a clean surface. Note orientation for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove the latch actuator from the charge inlet
   Remove the manufacturer-specified bolts/screws securing the latch actuator body to the charge inlet housing. Withdraw the actuator straight out so the latch pin clears the inlet bore. Do not force — if it binds, recheck for a hidden retainer.
   ⚠Do not pull on adjacent harnesses or HV cabling while extracting the latch.
7. 7

   Inspect the charge inlet bore
   With the latch out, inspect the inlet bore where the latch pin engages for debris, corrosion, or wear. Clean with a lint-free cloth. Inspect the charge port pins for any heat discoloration (a sign of a separate, more serious issue requiring Tesla service).
   ℹ️Discolored or melted charge pins indicate a high-resistance fault. Do not return the vehicle to service — schedule Tesla diagnosis.
8. 8

   Compare new latch to old
   Bench-compare the replacement latch to the original: confirm pin length, body shape, connector keying, and mounting hole pattern match exactly before installing.
9. 9

   Install new latch actuator
   Seat the new latch into the charge inlet housing in the same orientation as the original. Start all fasteners by hand to avoid cross-threading the aluminum-mounted threads.
   Torque spec

   Charging Port Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall sensor and cover (if applicable)
    Reinstall the latch position sensor (if separate) and any access cover. Torque fasteners to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect low-voltage harness
    Reconnect the LV signal connector to the new latch until the locking tab clicks. Verify the connector is fully seated and the harness is routed away from any sharp edges or HV cables.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the trunk-side trim panel and carpet, seating all push-pin retainers fully.
2. Close the trunk and verify trim alignment.
3. Reconnect the 12V (or 16V) low-voltage battery in the frunk (or under the rear seat as applicable). Torque battery terminal to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
4. Remove painter's tape from around the charge port.
5. Allow the vehicle 2-3 minutes to fully boot and re-establish vehicle network communication.

Verification

• From the touchscreen, command the charge port door to open and close — confirm smooth operation.
• Insert a Tesla charge connector (or NACS-compatible connector) into the port. Verify the latch audibly engages and that the connector cannot be pulled out by hand.
• Initiate a charge session (Level 1 or Level 2) and confirm charging begins normally — this verifies the latch sensor reports 'locked' to the vehicle.
• Press the release button on the connector handle and via the touchscreen — confirm the latch releases the connector cleanly each time.
• Check the vehicle alerts screen for any charge port, BMS, or charging-related fault codes. Clear any transient codes by power-cycling the vehicle (drive mode > park > exit).
• Note: While the vehicle is open for service, this is a good time to check Tesla's other service intervals — brake fluid every 2 years, cabin air filter every 2 years (3 years for HEPA), and tire rotation every 6,250 mi.

More procedures for this vehicle