Tesla Model Y: Jump Starting the Low Voltage Battery

If jump starting Model Y using another vehicle, refer to that vehicle manufacturer's instructions. The following instructions assume you are using an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter).

To determine whether your vehicle is equipped with a Lead-Acid or Lithium-Ion Battery, navigate to Controls > Software > Additional vehicle information.

CAUTION: Model Y cannot be used to jump start another vehicle. Doing so can result in damage.

CAUTION: Avoid short circuits when jump starting Model Y. Connecting cables to the wrong jump post, touching leads together, etc., can result in damage to Model Y.

Jump Starting the Low Voltage (Lead-Acid) Battery

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.

3. If equipped with a HEPA filter, carefully fold the HEPA filter gasket towards the front of the vehicle to gain access to the low voltage battery.

NOTE: Space to access the low voltage battery is limited. Consider removing the push clips from the rear cowl to improve accessibility.

4. Connect the low voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) terminal on the low voltage battery.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging Model Y, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components, such as the battery tie-down bracket.

5. Connect the low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable to the black negative (-) terminal on the low voltage battery.

6. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer's instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake it up.

NOTE: It may take several minutes to receive enough power to wake up the touchscreen.

7. When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables from the terminals on the battery, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.

8. Reinstall the cabin intake trim panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.

9. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.

10. Close the hood.

Jump Starting the Low Voltage (Lithium-Ion) Battery

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.

3. Carefully fold the HEPA filter gasket towards the front of the vehicle to gain access to the low voltage jump post.

4. Pull back the black seal to reveal the positive jump post. Remove the red cover and connect the external low voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) jump post.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the vehicle, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components.

5. The HEPA filter bolt (as shown in the following image to the right) serves as the negative jump post. Connect the external low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable the black negative (-) jump post.

6. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer's instructions) for 20-30 seconds.

CAUTION: If you leave the power supply on for longer than 30 seconds, the low voltage battery may not self-recover and the vehicle might not be able to shift into Drive. Disconnect the power supply and the low voltage battery to enable another battery self-recovery attempt.

NOTE: If attempting to activate Transport Mode (to winch the vehicle onto a flatbed truck), the low voltage battery is not required to self-recover. Leave the power supply connected continuously until the vehicle has been secured.

7. Open the driver door and wait two minutes.

8. Ensure the vehicle is able to shift into Drive.

9. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.

10. Close the hood.

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