Replacement of the charge port door actuator on a 2024 Model X Plaid. The actuator is housed within the charge port assembly on the driver-side rear quarter panel and controls the motorized opening/closing of the charge port door.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge port door actuator assembly (Model X, US/NACS-applicable variant) × 1 — OEM Tesla charge port actuator — verify by VIN with parts counter
• Replacement trim clips (in case of breakage during disassembly) × 4 — Generic interior/quarter trim clips as needed

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. Before disconnecting 12V: open the charge port door using the touchscreen or key fob, OR locate the manual emergency release cable in the rear driver-side cargo area trim and pull it to open the door mechanically.
4. Open the frunk and disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery negative terminal. Insulate the terminal to prevent accidental reconnection.
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. Apply painter's tape around the charge port opening and adjacent painted surfaces to prevent scratches.
8. Open the rear hatch and prepare to access the driver-side rear quarter interior trim, which provides access to the back side of the charge port assembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the charge port from inside the rear cargo area
   Open the rear hatch. Remove the driver-side rear cargo trim panel by carefully releasing its retention clips with a plastic trim tool. Set fasteners and clips aside in order. This exposes the rear of the charge port housing and the actuator wiring.
   ⚠Trim clips on the Model X are brittle, especially in cold weather. Have replacements on hand.
2. 2

   Identify the actuator and disconnect the low-voltage harness
   Locate the small electric actuator mounted to the charge port housing — it drives the door open/closed via a small linkage. Identify its low-voltage connector (small multi-pin LV connector, NOT orange). Release the connector lock and unplug. Verify visually that no orange HV cabling is being disturbed.
   ⚠️If the connector you are looking at is orange or has an HV warning label — STOP. That is not the actuator connector.
3. 3

   Detach the actuator linkage from the charge port door
   Carefully disengage the actuator's mechanical linkage/arm from the charge port door pivot. Depending on design, this may be a clip-on ball joint or a small retaining pin. Do not force — note orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove the actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the fasteners (typically small screws/bolts) securing the actuator body to the charge port housing. Support the actuator as you remove the last fastener so it does not drop into the body cavity.
5. 5

   Remove the actuator from the vehicle
   Withdraw the actuator through the interior access opening. Inspect the mounting boss and linkage point on the charge port housing for cracks, debris, or wear. Compare old and new actuator side by side to confirm correct part.
6. 6

   Inspect charge port door alignment and operation
   With the actuator out, manually open and close the charge port door to confirm the hinge moves freely. Binding here will cause premature failure of the new actuator. Clean the hinge area and lubricate sparingly with a plastic-safe lubricant if needed.
7. 7

   Install the new actuator
   Position the new actuator into the housing and start the mounting fasteners by hand to avoid cross-threading into the plastic/metal housing. Torque mounting fasteners to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
   Torque spec

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

   Reattach the linkage and reconnect the LV harness
   Reconnect the actuator's mechanical linkage to the charge port door, ensuring the clip/pin is fully seated. Plug the low-voltage connector back in until the lock clicks. Route the harness clear of any pinch points or moving linkage.
9. 9

   Pre-test before reinstalling trim
   Temporarily reconnect the 12V battery. With the rear cargo trim still off, command the charge port door open and closed several times via the touchscreen or key fob. Confirm smooth, full-travel operation, no binding, and no unusual noise. If movement is incorrect, disconnect 12V again and recheck linkage orientation.
10. 10

    Reinstall interior trim
    Disconnect 12V again before final reassembly if any further wrenching is needed. Reinstall the rear cargo trim panel, seating all clips fully. Replace any broken clips. Reinstall any fasteners removed.

Reassembly

1. Confirm all trim clips are fully seated — loose trim will rattle audibly in this area of the Model X.
2. Reconnect the 12V battery negative terminal in the frunk and torque the terminal nut to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
3. Close the frunk.
4. Remove painter's tape from around the charge port.
5. Allow the vehicle to fully wake (touchscreen boots, systems initialize) before final functional testing.

Verification

• Open and close the charge port door at least 5 times via the touchscreen, key fob, and by pressing the integrated button on the door itself — all three methods should work.
• Plug in a charge cable (home connector or Supercharger handle) and confirm the door opens automatically on cable approach (if proximity-open is enabled in settings) and that the latch engages the cable correctly.
• Initiate a charge session briefly to confirm the charge port communicates normally and that no charge port or BMS alerts appear on the touchscreen.
• Check the touchscreen for any new alerts referencing the charge port, charge port door, or actuator. Clear any stored faults via a touchscreen reset (scroll-wheel reboot) if appropriate.
• Visually inspect that the charge port door sits flush with the rear quarter panel when closed, with no paint contact or uneven gap.
• While in this area of the vehicle, note Tesla's recommended service intervals: brake fluid every 2 years, cabin air filter every 2 years (3 years for HEPA-equipped X), drive unit gear oil inspection per current Tesla guidance, and battery coolant inspection at 4 years / 50,000 mi. The charge port actuator itself has no scheduled interval — replace on failure.

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