Charge Port Latch Not Engaged
Tesla Electric Vehicle
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
This alert means the charge cable is not properly locked into the charge port. The latch mechanism may be stuck, frozen, or obstructed. Try removing and reinserting the cable firmly until you hear a click.
Affected Models
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model X
Common Causes
- Charge cable not fully inserted into the charge port
- Debris or ice blocking the latch mechanism
- Charge port latch motor failure
- Software glitch preventing latch engagement
- Third-party adapter not seating correctly
How to Fix It
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Remove the charge cable and reinsert it firmly.
Push the cable straight in until you hear a click and the charge port light turns green. Do not wiggle or angle the connector.
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Check the charge port for debris, ice, or obstructions.
In cold weather, ice can form inside the charge port and prevent the latch from closing. Use the car's preconditioning feature or gently warm the area.
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Try a soft reboot: hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel for 10 seconds.
This reboots the car's infotainment system and can clear software glitches. The screen goes black briefly, then restarts.
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Manually release the charge port via the touchscreen or the emergency release.
On the touchscreen: Controls > Charging > Unlock Charge Port. The emergency manual release is inside the trunk, near the charge port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with the Charge Port Latch alert?
Yes, the car will drive normally. This alert only affects charging. However, you should resolve it before you need to charge again.
Does this happen more in cold weather?
Yes. Ice formation in the charge port is a common cause in winter. Tesla recommends preconditioning the car before charging in freezing temperatures.