Replacement of the charge port latch assembly on a 2024 Tesla Model X. The latch is the small motorized mechanism that secures the J1772/NACS connector during charging; failure typically presents as a connector that won't lock or release.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge port latch / actuator assembly (OEM Tesla Model X 2024 spec) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified Model X charge port latch assembly — verify part number against VIN
• Replacement trim clips (in case originals break on removal) × 4 — Generic Tesla interior/trunk trim clips matching factory size

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 frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative terminal first). The 12V battery is located in the frunk on Model X, similar to Model S.
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 or key fob so you have access. Once 12V is disconnected, the door will need to be held/propped open (or opened via the manual release cable inside the rear trunk liner).
7. Disable falcon door operation: ensure the rear falcon doors are fully closed before disconnecting 12V to prevent any partial-open lockout.
8. Place soft covers over the left rear quarter panel and tail lamp area to protect the aluminum bodywork.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the charge port from inside the rear trunk
   Open the rear liftgate. Remove the left-side trunk trim panel covering the charge port assembly. Use a plastic trim tool to release the push-pin clips — do not pry with metal. Set the panel aside on a padded surface.
2. 2

   Locate the manual charge port door release
   Identify the manual release cable/loop behind the trim. With 12V disconnected, pull the release to mechanically open the charge port door so the latch assembly is accessible from the outside.
   ℹ️Do not yank the cable repeatedly — a single firm pull is sufficient. Excessive force can detach the cable from the actuator.
3. 3

   Inspect the charge port cavity
   Visually inspect for any orange HV cabling, signs of arcing, melted plastic, or coolant intrusion. Confirm no orange conductor is exposed or damaged. If anything HV-related looks compromised, STOP and refer to a Tesla-certified technician.
   ⚠️Orange = HV. Do not touch. If exposed, abort the procedure.
4. 4

   Disconnect the latch electrical connector
   Locate the low-voltage connector feeding the charge port latch actuator (typically a small 2- to 4-pin connector on the back side of the charge port body). Press the locking tab and disconnect. This is a low-voltage signal/motor connector — it is NOT orange HV.
5. 5

   Remove the latch retaining hardware
   Remove the fasteners securing the latch assembly to the charge port housing. On Model X this is typically a small set of screws/bolts captured on the rear of the port assembly. Keep hardware organized — they are easy to drop into the quarter panel cavity. Use a magnetic pickup if anything falls.
   ⚠Do not over-loosen or remove any bolts that retain the HV pin block or busbars. If a bolt has anti-tamper paint or is adjacent to orange conductors, leave it alone.
   Torque spec

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

   Extract the failed latch assembly
   Carefully withdraw the latch/actuator from the rear of the charge port body. Note the orientation of any alignment tab, spring, or pawl so the new unit installs in the same position. Photograph before full removal as a reference.
7. 7

   Compare old vs. new
   Verify the replacement matches the removed unit: connector pinout, pawl direction, mounting flange, and part revision. Tesla revised the charge port latch design across model years — installing a wrong-revision part can cause intermittent unlock failures. Verify against VIN if any doubt.
8. 8

   Install the new latch assembly
   Seat the new latch into the charge port housing in the same orientation. Hand-start all fasteners before torquing any to avoid cross-threading the plastic/metal interface.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque the latch fasteners
   Torque the latch retaining fasteners to specification. Do not over-torque — the charge port body is reinforced plastic and will deform or strip.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)

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

    Reconnect the latch low-voltage connector
    Reseat the LV connector until it clicks. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Route the harness clear of any moving parts and away from the charge port door hinge.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the left-side trunk trim panel; replace any clips that broke during removal.
2. Verify the charge port door manual release cable is routed correctly and not pinched behind trim.
3. Reconnect the 12V battery (positive first, then negative). Torque battery terminals to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
4. Close the frunk.
5. Allow the vehicle 1-2 minutes to fully wake and reinitialize systems after 12V reconnection (windows may need re-calibration; falcon door positions may need a re-learn cycle by fully opening and closing each door once).

Verification

• From the touchscreen, command the charge port door to OPEN. Confirm it actuates normally.
• Insert a charge connector (Mobile Connector or home charger). Confirm the latch audibly engages and the connector cannot be pulled out.
• Initiate a charge session for at least 30 seconds, then stop charging from the screen. Confirm the latch releases and the connector can be removed.
• Press the button on the charge handle (or use the touchscreen 'Unlock') with the vehicle idle — confirm latch releases.
• Cycle the charge port door closed via the touchscreen and verify it shuts flush with the body.
• Check the vehicle's service alerts screen — there should be no charge port or latch-related fault codes after the cycle.
• Note: Tesla's 'no scheduled maintenance' claim notwithstanding, while you are in this area it is worth verifying cabin air filter age (every 2 years, or 3 years for HEPA-equipped Model X) and brake fluid age (every 2 years), as those are genuine service-interval items often overlooked.

More procedures for this vehicle