Jump Starting

To jump start Cybertruck, use an external power source that is capable of supplying at least 12V, such as a portable jump starter or another vehicle.

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CAUTION
When jump starting Cybertruck, use jump cables that are 30 ft. (9 meters) or less in length. Using cables that are longer than 30 ft. (9 meters) may result in damage to Cybertruck or to the external power source.

The steps below assume you are using an external low voltage power supply (such as a portable jump starter). If you are using another vehicle to jump start Cybertruck, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

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Warning
It may be more difficult to steer Cybertruck when the vehicle is being supported by an external low voltage power supply. The wheels may not be as responsive to the steering wheel as expected, and extreme caution should be taken when repositioning Cybertruck.
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CAUTION
Cybertruck uses a 48V low voltage architecture. As a result, some functions may be unavailable or degraded if you are supporting Cybertruck with less than 30V (for example, another vehicle or a 12V portable jump starter).
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CAUTION
Avoid using low voltage components of Cybertruck (such as the climate control system, cabin USB-C ports, lights, etc.) when the vehicle is being supported by an external low voltage power supply. Doing so may disable low voltage systems and make it necessary to jump start Cybertruck again.
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CAUTION
Cybertruck cannot be used to jump start another vehicle. Doing so can result in damage.
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CAUTION
Avoid short circuits when jump starting Cybertruck. Connecting cables to the wrong jump post, touching leads together, etc., can damage Cybertruck.
  1. Open the powered frunk (see Opening the Powered Frunk with No Power).
  2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
    Frunk open and the maintenance panel highlighted
  3. Connect the external low voltage power supply’s red positive (+) cable to the horizontal jump post mounted next to the brake fluid reservoir. The positive jump post is marked with a + sign.
    Location of the jump post with the red (positive) cable shown
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    CAUTION
    To avoid damaging Cybertruck, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components.
  4. Connect the external low voltage power supply’s black negative (-) cable to the vertical jump post. The negative jump post is marked with a - sign. This jump post is used as a grounding location for the external support.
    Ground location in front of the low voltage battery.
  5. If you are using a variable power supply, set the supplied voltage to a value between 12V and 16.5V or between 30V and 50V.
  6. Turn on the external power supply.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    If you are using a variable power supply, do not change the supplied voltage while the cables are connected. Doing so may cause damage to the vehicle.
  7. Open the driver door and ensure that the touchscreen is on and the low voltage system is responsive. This may take up to two minutes.
  8. Ensure the touchscreen is on and that the low voltage system is responsive.
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    Note
    If attempting to activate Transport Mode (to winch the vehicle onto a flatbed truck), leave the power supply connected continuously until the vehicle has been secured. For more information, see Activate Transport Mode.
  9. Once external power is no longer required, shut off the external power supply.
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    Warning
    Shut off the external power supply before removing either cable. Removing the cables while the external power source is active may cause arcing.
  10. Disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
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    Note
    Cybertruck may not be able to shift into Drive until after the high voltage Battery has been charged and the low voltage system is able to recover fully. See Running Out of Range.
  11. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
  12. Close the powered frunk (see Closing).