Jump Starting

The procedure for jump starting differs depending on whether the low voltage battery is lead-acid or lithium-ion. To determine which battery your vehicle uses, touch Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information. Both procedures are provided in this section.

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

Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
Model Y 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 Y. Connecting cables to the wrong jump post, touching leads together, etc., can damage Model Y.

Jump Starting the Low Voltage (Lithium-Ion) Battery

Vehicles manufactured in Gigafactory Shanghai after approximately October 2021, and in the Fremont Factory after approximately December 2021, are equipped with a Lithium-Ion low voltage battery.

  1. Open the hood (see Opening the Hood with No Power).
  2. Remove the maintenance panel by pulling it upwards gently but firmly 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 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.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    To avoid damaging the vehicle, do not allow the positive cable to contact other metal components.
  5. The HEPA filter bolt (shown below) serves as the negative (-) jump post.

    Connect the low voltage power supply’s black negative (-) cable to this negative jump post.

  6. Turn on the external power supply (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions). Touch the touchscreen to wake the vehicle up.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    It may take several minutes for the touchscreen to wake up.
  7. When external low voltage power is no longer required, disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
  8. Reinstall the maintenance panel by placing it back in its original location and pressing down until it is secure.
  9. Close the hood.