Tesla Model 3 Hard Reset – How-To Perform a 12V Reset on Your Tesla!

Have you ever had your radio stop working all day? Rearview camera only shows black? Performing a soft reset holding down the steering wheel buttons can’t always fix your problems. This guide will show you how to perform a hard reset on your Model 3 in a matter of minutes, and using only one tool.

Difficulty: 1/5, Time Required: 5 minutes

Tools Required:

• 10mm wrench

Pay attention to the instructions written in bold lettering or you could get stuck.

Instructions:

• Open your Model 3’s frunk.
• Roll down all the windows.
• Open the right rear door.
• Do not close the right rear door for the remainder of this procedure. Don’t close the frunk, don’t close the trunk, don’t close anything you need 12V to use.
• Locate the battery cover in the frunk

• Using your hands, pull up evenly on the edges of the battery cover to remove it.

• Loosen the negative cable from the battery using a 10mm wrench.
• Set it aside so it can’t accidentally touch the battery, wrap it with electrical tape or a cloth if necessary.

• Locate and release rear seat latch using your fingers.
• Slide your hand along the crease between the front of the seat and the carpet. You will feel the plastic release handle protruding.
• Push it towards the middle of the car to release it, pull up on the seat at the same time. This is very similar to unlatching the hood on your average ICE vehicle.

• We released both sides to lift the seat for better photos. You can just release the passenger side.

• Remove the black styrofoam insulation covering the contactor connector.

• Release the connector by squeezing the lock and rotating the grey part downwards.

• As the connector rises up, you will hear a clunk as the contactors open.
• There is no need to fully remove the connector.
• Leave the connector disconnected for 1 minute
• Take a moment to appreciate how eerily quiet your Model 3 is when fully powered down.

• Reinstall the contactor connector.
• You will feel a positive click when it engages, but you won’t hear the contactors clunk, they need the 12V battery to do that!
• Reinstall the black styrofoam insulation

• Push the rear seat down so it latches.
• If you completely removed the rear seat bottom, make sure to guide the seatbelt buckles through the holes as you reinstall it.
• Reconnect the 12V battery, you will hear a clunk as it closes the contactors!
• Tighten the battery terminal with your 10mm wrench.

• Reinstall the battery cover in the frunk

• Close the frunk and the right rear door, you’re done!

We hope this guide was helpful in tackling any bugs or glitches you might be experiencing with your Model 3. If we saved you a trip to the Service Center, let us know!