Charge Port Door Actuator

Replace the charge port door actuator on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The actuator drives the spring-loaded charge port door at the rear driver-side quarter panel and is accessed from inside the rear cargo area trim.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Charge Port Door Actuator Assembly (Model Y, 2024) × 1 — Manufacturer-specified charge port door actuator — confirm fitment via VIN at Tesla parts catalog
• Replacement plastic trim clips (as needed) × 4 — Generic Tesla-style push-pin retainers — replace any damaged on removal

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage the parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob carried away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Disconnect the low-voltage (12V/16V) battery — on 2024 Model Y the LV battery is located beneath the rear seat / cargo area trim per architecture notes. Follow Tesla's documented LV disconnect sequence.
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 so it is in the OPEN position — this makes actuator removal far easier. If the actuator has already failed and the door is stuck closed, locate the manual release pull-cable inside the rear cargo area (driver-side trim) and use it to release the door.
7. Apply painter's tape around the perimeter of the charge port opening and along the rear quarter panel edge to protect paint.
8. Allow vehicle to fully power down (touchscreen off, no HVAC running) before disconnecting LV power.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the rear driver-side cargo trim
   Open the trunk/liftgate. Remove the driver-side rear cargo area trim panel covering the charge port assembly. Use a plastic trim tool to release the push-pin retainers. Set fasteners aside, noting their locations. Carefully fold the trim back to expose the rear of the charge port housing.
2. 2

   Identify the actuator and harness
   From inside the cargo area, locate the charge port door actuator — a small electric motor/solenoid mechanism mounted to the charge port housing assembly with a short linkage to the door. Identify the low-voltage connector going into the actuator. Confirm you are NOT working on the HV inlet contacts (these are the heavy black/orange cabled portion of the assembly — DO NOT TOUCH).
   ⚠️If you see orange cabling or heavy gauge HV terminals at this stage, you are looking at the wrong component. Stop.
3. 3

   Disconnect the actuator harness
   Release the locking tab on the actuator's LV electrical connector and unplug it. Inspect the connector and pins for corrosion or moisture intrusion (a common cause of intermittent failure on this vehicle). If corrosion is present, document and clean before reassembly.
4. 4

   Detach the actuator linkage from the door
   Disengage the small mechanical linkage / pivot pin that connects the actuator output arm to the charge port door. Most use a clip-style retainer that releases with gentle prying using a plastic pick. Take a photo before disengagement to ensure correct orientation on reinstall.
   ⚠Do not over-flex the door — the hinge is a finely tuned spring assembly and damage will cause flush-fit issues.
5. 5

   Remove the actuator mounting fasteners
   Remove the small fasteners (typically Torx) securing the actuator body to the charge port housing. Support the actuator with one hand as you remove the last fastener so it does not drop into the quarter panel cavity.
6. 6

   Extract the failed actuator
   Withdraw the actuator from the housing. Compare it visually to the replacement to confirm correct part, connector style, and linkage geometry before proceeding.
7. 7

   Install the new actuator
   Position the new actuator into the charge port housing, aligning the mounting bosses. Hand-start each fastener before final tightening. Torque actuator mounting hardware to the OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual. (No verified torque value is published in our database for this specific fastener; do not guess.)
   ⚠Do not overtighten — the actuator body and housing are plastic and will crack.
8. 8

   Reconnect the linkage
   Reattach the actuator output arm to the charge port door linkage in the same orientation as the original. Verify the door swings smoothly through its full range BEFORE reconnecting power.
9. 9

   Reconnect the LV harness
   Plug the LV connector back into the actuator until the locking tab clicks. Route the harness so it is not pinched by the trim panel on reinstall.
10. 10

    Verify charge port housing fastener integrity
    Before closing up, inspect any charge port housing mounting fasteners that may have been disturbed. If any housing-to-body bolts were loosened, torque to Charging Port Mounting spec.
    Torque spec

    Charging Port Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the rear cargo area trim panel, seating all push-pin retainers fully. Replace any clips that broke during removal.
2. Remove painter's tape from the rear quarter panel.
3. Reconnect the 12V/LV battery following Tesla's documented reconnect sequence.
4. Close the trunk and allow the vehicle to fully wake (touchscreen boots, no error chimes).

Verification

• From the touchscreen, tap 'Open Charge Port' — the door should pop open smoothly within ~1 second.
• Press the button on a Tesla charge connector (or the door itself) to verify it triggers the actuator.
• Manually close the door — it should latch flush with the rear quarter panel with no proud edges (Model Y panels are tight; misalignment is visible).
• Cycle the door open/close at least 5 times to confirm reliable operation.
• Plug in a charge cable (Mobile Connector or wall connector) and confirm the latch holds the connector and that charging initiates normally — this confirms the inlet/contactor side was not disturbed.
• Check the touchscreen for any vehicle alerts related to charging or charge port. Clear any one-shot alerts and re-test.
• While in the charge port area, this is a good time to note Tesla's other ignored service intervals: brake fluid every 2 years, cabin filter every 2 years, drive unit gear oil at 12,500 mi initial then 25,000–50,000 mi, and coolant inspection at 4 yr / 50,000 mi. Tire rotation every 6,250 mi is especially critical on the Performance trim.

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