Jump Starting

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

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Model S cannot be used to jump start another vehicle. Doing so can result in damage.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Avoid short circuits when jump starting Model S. Connecting cables to the wrong jump post, touching leads together, etc., can damage Model S.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the hood (see Opening the Hood with No Power).
  2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards to release the trim clips that hold it in place.
    Front hood open and the maintenance panel highlighted with an arrow pointing upwards.
  3. On top of the low voltage battery, lift the locking tab that attaches the electrical connector to the connector housing.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    The appearance of the electrical connector and connector housing may vary, but the procedure remains the same.
    Locking tab on top of low voltage battery with an arrow pointing upwards.
  4. On top of the low voltage battery, pull the connector housing to the left. The electrical connector releases from the low voltage battery.
    Connector housing above low voltage battery with arrow pointing away from the electrical connector.
  5. Release the cover from the red positive (+) jump post, and then connect the low voltage power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) jump post.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    To avoid damaging Model S, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Depending on date of manufacture, the cover and the red positive (+) jump post location may differ slightly.

    For vehicles manufactured prior to approximately January 2023:

    low voltage power supply positive cable connecting to positive jump post.

    For vehicles manufactures after approximately January 2023:

    low voltage power supply positive cable connecting to positive jump post.
  6. Connect the low voltage power supply's black negative (-) cable to the vehicle in the location shown.
    Ground location in front of the low voltage battery.
  7. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake it up.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    It may take several minutes to receive enough power to wake up the touchscreen.
  8. When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
  9. On top of the low voltage battery, push the connector housing towards the electrical connector so that the electrical connector engages the low voltage battery.
  10. On top of the low voltage battery, push down the locking tab that attaches the electrical connector to the connector housing.
  11. Replace the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
  12. Close the hood.