These instructions apply to the Tesla Model S (2012-2021).
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If a charging cable won’t unlock from your Tesla Model S (2012–2021) — a frozen port or a flat 12 V battery — there is a manual release cable in the rear trunk that frees the connector.
First try the simple options: press Stop Charging on the touchscreen or the Tesla app, or press and hold the button on the charge connector. Only use the manual release below if those fail.
How to manually release the charging cable on a Model S
- Make sure the car is not actively charging (use Stop Charging on the screen if needed).
- Open the rear trunk. On the driver’s side, behind the tail-light area, there is a carpeted access panel — pull the trim away to reach the release cable.
- Pull the release cable straight towards you to unlatch the connector.
- Now remove the charge cable from the port.
Important: always pull the release cable before pulling the charge cable — never both at once, and never while charging. If the port is iced up, warming the car first usually releases the latch without the manual cable.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t the charger unplug from my Model S?
Usually a frozen port or a flat 12 V battery so the latch won’t open electrically. Try Stop Charging first; if that fails, use the release cable in the rear trunk.
Where is the Model S charge-port release?
Behind the carpeted trim on the driver’s side of the rear trunk, near the tail light — a cable you pull towards you.
If a charging or 12 V warning stays on afterwards, you can look up the fault code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Tesla. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.