What to do when your Tesla Model 3 battery dies
TLDR;
1. If the car is completely dead, use a power pack to jump start the low voltage battery which you can find under the front hood of the car
2. Wait a few minutes for the touchscreen on the center console to turn on
3. Open the high-voltage charging port
4. Place the charging cable in the charging port
5. Once the vehicle begins charging, remove the power pack from the low-voltage battery
6. Allow the vehicle to charge until you are ready to continue your trip
For more explicit details, consult the vehicle's owner's manual
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Accessing the Low-Voltage Battery
- Location: The low-voltage battery in a Tesla Model 3 is located under the front hood.
- Procedure: Use a portable power pack to jump-start this battery. Connecting a power pack can provide the necessary power to bring the car's electrical systems online.
2. Activating the Vehicle's Systems
- After connecting the power pack, wait a few minutes for the car's internal systems to initialize.
- Signs of Activation: The main touchscreen on the center console will light up, indicating that the vehicle's systems are receiving power.
3. Opening the High-Voltage Charging Port
- Automatic Opening: In many cases, once the vehicle powers up, you can open the charging port through the touchscreen interface.
- Manual Override: If the touchscreen is unresponsive, you will typically have to manually pry open the charging port.
4. Connecting the Charger
- Insert the charging cable into the high-voltage port. Ensure a secure connection to facilitate effective charging.
- Charging Mode: Select the appropriate charging mode on your Tesla screen if required.
5. Beginning the Charge
- Once the charging cable is connected, and the vehicle begins to accept the charge, you can monitor the charging progress on the dashboard.
- It's crucial to allow the car to charge for at least 15 minutes before attempting to drive.
6. Disconnecting the Power Pack
- Safely remove the power pack from the low-voltage battery once the main battery starts charging. This step is crucial to prevent any electrical feedback or damage to the power pack.
7. Monitoring and Completing the Charge
- Continue to charge the vehicle until it reaches an adequate range for driving. It’s advisable to let the car charge fully if possible.
- Monitoring Tools: Use the Tesla app or the in-car display to check the charging status and battery health. Additional Resources
For more explicit details or troubleshooting, consult the Tesla Model 3 Owner's Manual