ev-charging
Charge Port Latch
for 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor AWD · AWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
9
Replacement of the charge port latch assembly on a 2024 Model Y Performance. The latch is the small motorized actuator that locks the charge connector during charging; failure typically presents as a connector that won't lock or release.
Warnings
⚠️The charge port assembly contains high-voltage contacts on the inboard side. DO NOT disconnect, pierce, or service any orange HV cabling. This procedure replaces only the low-voltage latch — if work appears to require disturbing HV terminals, STOP.
⚠Confirm the vehicle is NOT plugged in and the charge port door is closed before starting. Disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging the latch connector to avoid actuator triggering.
⚠Aluminum/composite body panels — do not pry against painted surfaces with metal tools. Use plastic trim tools only.
ℹ️On 2024 Model Y, the 12V (lithium) low-voltage battery is located under a cover in the front trunk area; verify location before disconnecting.
Tools required
Plastic trim removal tools (non-marring)Essential
Metric socket setEssential
Torx bit set (T20/T25/T30)Essential
Torque wrench (2–25 Nm range)Essential
Insulated gloves (for 12V disconnect)
Small flashlight or headlamp
Painter's tape (to protect paint near charge port opening)
Parts
- Charge port latch / actuator assembly × 1 — OEM Tesla Model 3/Y charge port latch assembly — verify against VIN
- Replacement clips/fasteners (as needed if broken on disassembly) × 1 — Generic trim clips matching OEM
Preparation
- Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
- 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.
- Disconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (2024 Model Y uses a lithium LV battery — refer to architecture notes/service manual for exact location and disconnect order).
- DO NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
- 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.
- Confirm the charging cable is unplugged and the charge port door is closed.
- Open the rear hatch and clear the left rear quarter area where the charge port is mounted.
- Apply painter's tape around the charge port opening to protect paint during removal.
Procedure
- 1Access the charge port from inside the rear quarterOpen the rear hatch. Remove the left-side rear cargo trim panel and any access cover that exposes the back of the charge port assembly. Use plastic trim tools to release clips; store fasteners in order.
- 2Identify the charge port assembly and latch actuatorLocate the charge port housing on the inside of the left rear quarter. Identify the low-voltage latch actuator — it is the small motorized unit attached to the top/side of the receptacle housing with a low-voltage harness connector. Confirm you can see and reach the latch fasteners without disturbing any orange HV cabling on the inboard side.⚠️If the latch cannot be removed without disturbing orange HV cables or the HV connector terminals, STOP — this is no longer a low-voltage repair.
- 3Disconnect the latch low-voltage connectorRelease the locking tab on the latch's low-voltage connector and disconnect it. Inspect the connector pins for corrosion or damage and note orientation for reinstallation.
- 4Remove the latch actuator fastenersRemove the small fasteners (typically Torx) securing the latch actuator to the charge port housing. Support the actuator as the last fastener is removed so it does not fall into the quarter panel cavity.
- 5Remove the latch assemblyCarefully withdraw the latch actuator from the charge port housing. If the latch is seized engaged with the locking pin extended, do not force it — manually retract the pin per the actuator's mechanical override (small access slot or screw) before removal.⚠Do not pry against the receptacle face or HV terminal block — damage here can cause arcing during charging.
- 6Compare new and old latchVerify the replacement latch matches the original in connector keying, pin geometry, and mounting hole pattern. A mismatched latch will not lock the connector reliably and can leave the contactor in an unsafe state.
- 7Install the new latch actuatorPosition the new latch onto the charge port housing, ensuring it is fully seated and the locking pin aligns with the receptacle slot. Install the mounting fasteners hand-tight first, then torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
- 8Reconnect the low-voltage harnessReconnect the latch's low-voltage connector and confirm the locking tab fully engages. Route the harness clear of any moving parts or sharp edges.
- 9Verify charge port mounting integrityInspect the charge port housing mounting points. If any mounting hardware was loosened or disturbed during latch access, retorque the charging port mounting fasteners.Torque specCharging Port Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall any access cover removed for the latch.
- Reinstall the left-side rear cargo trim panel, ensuring all clips are fully seated and no rattles are present.
- Remove painter's tape from the charge port opening.
- Reconnect the 12V low-voltage battery (negative last).
- Close the rear hatch and verify the charge port door operates normally.
Verification
- With the vehicle awake, press the charge port door release on the key fob or touchscreen — the door should open and you should hear/feel the latch cycle.
- Plug in a known-good charging connector (Mobile Connector or Wall Connector). Confirm the latch engages and the connector cannot be pulled out by hand.
- Initiate a charging session briefly — verify the vehicle begins charging and the latch remains locked while charging.
- Press the release button on the charging handle (or the touchscreen 'Stop Charging' / 'Open Charge Port') and confirm the latch retracts and the connector releases cleanly.
- Check the touchscreen for any charge port, BMS, or vehicle alerts — there should be no new active faults.
- Note: This job does not affect any Tesla service intervals (brake fluid 2 yr, cabin filter 2 yr, drive unit fluid ~12,500 mi initial then 25k–50k mi, coolant inspection 4 yr/50k mi, tire rotation every 6,250 mi). If the vehicle is near any of these, advise the owner.