How to Jump Start a Tesla Model 3

Steps from the 2026 Tesla Model 3 owner's manual (Low voltage (lithium-ion) battery, using an external low voltage power supply such as a portable jump starter).

  1. Open the hood using the no-power hood release procedure.
  2. Pull the maintenance panel upward firmly to release its trim clips and remove it.
  3. Remove the red cover and connect the power supply's red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) jump post.
  4. Connect the power supply's black negative (-) cable to the bolt next to the brake fluid reservoir.
  5. Turn on the external power supply and touch the touchscreen to wake the vehicle.
  6. When finished, disconnect both cables, starting with the black negative (-) cable.
  7. Put the maintenance panel back and press down until secure, then close the hood.

Source: 2026 Tesla Model 3 owner's manual, PDF page 247. Steps are summarized in our own words (AI-assisted, checked against the cited pages 2026-10-18). Other model years can differ; your manual has the final word.

Confirm with your own manual, dipstick or door-jamb label.
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