How to Jump Start a Tesla Model S

1. Open the hood as described in Opening the Hood with No Power.
2. Pull the maintenance panel upwards to release its trim clips and remove it.
3. Release the cover from the red positive (+) jump post and connect the power supply's red positive (+) cable to it.
4. Connect the power supply's black negative (-) cable to the vehicle in the location shown.
5. Turn on the external power supply and touch the touchscreen to wake it up.
6. When finished, disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) cable.
7. Put the maintenance panel back and press down until it is secure, then close the hood.

• Model S cannot be used to jump start another vehicle, as doing so can result in damage.
• Avoid short circuits and do not let the positive cable touch other metal components.
• It may take several minutes for the touchscreen to wake up.

Source: 2026 Tesla Model S owner's manual, PDF pages 231, 232. 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.