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

Tesla model 3 contactor connector for hard reset

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
The battery cover is located near the top of the frunk. It has an orange sticker, and vents for the HVAC inlet.
  • Using your hands, pull up evenly on the edges of the battery cover to remove it.
You can now access your Tesla’s 12V battery. Our car is equipped with the MPP Lightweight Battery Kit, but the procedure is the same.
  • 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.
12V battery with negative cable disconnected.
  • 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.
Slide the latch towards the inside of the car to release the seat bottom. It can be seen protruding above the carpet.
  • We released both sides to lift the seat for better photos. You can just release the passenger side.
The rear seat bottom lifted up to reveal access to the contactor connector.
  • Remove the black styrofoam insulation covering the contactor connector.
The contactor connector is now exposed.
  • Release the connector by squeezing the lock and rotating the grey part downwards.
Contactor connector partially disengaged.
Contactor connector fully disengaged.
  • 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.
Is anybody home?
  • 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
Don’t forget to install the 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.
The 12V battery reconnected.
  • Reinstall the battery cover in the frunk
Push down evenly around the perimeter of the cover to make sure it is clipped in.
  • 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!