You finally made it! You have the car of your dreams: a Tesla. There's just one problem: You bought it and now the charging port won't open. You obviously don't want to go back to Tesla and spend another eight million dollars on their company (because we all know Elon Musk has enough cash). So… what the heck are you doing? You need that thing open if you're going to load up your car and go anywhere.
What if the Tesla charge door won't open? Try opening the charge port flap using the touchscreen, the Tesla smartphone app, or your key fob. If none of these work, you may need to manually press and release the center of the charging port.
If you do, you should be able to head back into your charging port, charge your vehicle, and be back showing off your hot new ride around the block. However, in some cases, this problem may not be so easily fixed.
Pro Tip: The simple fix is usually to manually press and release the center of the charging port. This should engage it to open without having to engage it via the smartphone app, touchscreen, or key fob. You may need to press and release a few times to find the sweet spot on the charging port port.
What Causes Charging Port Attack?
While there are many reasons why your charging port door is stuck and won't open, we're going to explore some of the most common ailments.
However, regardless of the situation, you should try the above process: use the key to open the charging port while applying light pressure on the hinge side of the charging port.
Temperature
While warmer temperatures should present no problem for a Tesla, cold temperatures can cause some problems, especially temperatures that are below freezing, can cause some technological difficulties including a charging port that won't open or that sticks.
When you try to open the door lock, the car will chirp and it will appear that everything is fine. You'll hear the mechanisms turning and shifting as the car prepares to unhinge the charging port, but nothing happens.
Upon inspection, you may find that the lock pin is stuck, and you may also notice a flashing blue light.
While temperature isn't necessarily the reason the charging port is stuck, it can often hamper the inner workings of a tech device, like the charging port on a tesla.
Unfortunately, in this case, you will likely need to have the vehicle repaired at a Tesla Service Center.
In some cases, you may receive a red notification warning that the charge door may not open when pressed and that you need to find an alternative method to open the charge door.
While there is no definitive information on this message, it appears that the majority of Tesla owners who have received the message have been in temperatures well below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
A part has been removed
If you open the charge port door, you should see a piece in the top corner (usually the left if it opens, if it opens then it's still the top left if you're looking at it). There should be a trapezoidal metal insert that is attached to that area.
The charging port door may stick if that metal insert is missing. For an inexpensive, do-it-yourself solution, you can attach a washer or other metal tool similar in size and construction to the metal insert in the small area in the upper left corner.
You can also attach it with a strong, but easily available, adhesive like double-sided tape to get the job done. You need to check the area periodically to make sure the piece is not in danger of losing grip and falling off.
If the piece were to fall, you run the risk of the charging port door locking you in again.
Eventually, you should consider replacing the actual part, as placing a washer in the charging port with a piece of double-sided tape isn't meant to be a long-lasting solution.
Software problem
One of the most attractive factors of Tesla is its cutting-edge high-class technology, which heralds as an industry changer. Tesla has almost single-handedly dominated the electric car market.
These cars are controlled and managed through a software system. Like a cell phone or computer, a Tesla's software can sometimes malfunction. One of the processes that may not work properly is the check to open the charging port.
Make sure your Tesla's software is up to date as updates are meant to fix bugs that could cause things like this.
Other ways to fix the problem?
Like anything else, the problem of a Tesla's charging port sticking and not opening is not a nuanced problem with no nuances.
The best and safest way to fix the problem is to call Tesla Service and have the vehicle inspected for any software or glitches, but we aren't always in the optimal circumstances to take the time to call and wait for the car to be fixed. .
You may find yourself in a situation where you need to open that charging port. Indeed, it is very likely that you are standing at a superstation and trying to get your car back on the road.
Can you open the charging port? Not recommended.
If this is the case, and you desperately need a charge near a charging station or even at your home, you can always open the charging port if needed. This isn't recommended because you could very well break something, and if you know anything about Teslas, you know they are expensive to fix. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Here's how:
- You would like to get something smaller and flatter like a small flat head screwdriver. This will help prevent damage to the car.
- Then you can place the screwdriver on the opposite side of the hinge, which is where the door would open.
- You will therefore have to put the screwdriver in place there in the narrow space left between the car and the charging port.
- Once you have leverage, you can use the handle to apply enough pressure to open the charging port.
If you encounter popping noises that sound like the port resisting your prying efforts, you should probably stop what you're doing and have your car fixed by a professional as you don't want to damage the vehicle. If you were to damage the charging port, you'd likely run up an expensive bill, like in the several hundred dollars.
Last resort, what should you do?
Well, there you are, you've used up almost all of your effort, time and energy and this charging port when all you really want to do is load up your fancy car and get to work!
So what's left? What could you do that you haven't already tried?
Well, as a last resort, you can always try the manual release cable that is located in the trunk (or front trunk depending on vehicle model).
You can pull this cable to see if the charging port will open. Make sure you consult your owner's manual before trying this, as it may be unsuccessful. However, if all else fails, you won't harm anything by trying it.
If that also fails, you will have to accept the fact that you will have to take your vehicle and fix it.
Hopefully, you won't have to repair it, though, and you can fix it yourself!
Tesla can be eye-catching, and with a price tag that matches a mid-range SUV, it's understandable how someone would want to get their hands on luxury cars. The features sell right away with many, and some even ask if they can pay for it upfront with their CC.
Can I buy a Tesla with a credit card? According to the manufacturers, Tesla says credit cards can only be used for initial deposits. It is not possible to use a credit card for down payments or to buy the car on the spot. How much they will allow your card to cover will depend on the location of the dealership.
Tesla shares many valid reasons not to take credit cards with many others in the automotive industry. In this article, we'll cover a few and cover important information for anyone considering getting one for themselves.
- Because Tesla doesn't accept credit cards
- Will Tesla do a credit check?
- Can you negotiate the price of a Tesla?
- Does Tesla accept trade-ins?
- When do I pay for my Tesla?
- What are the accepted payment methods?
- Tesla financing
- Can I finance with my bank/credit union?
- Can I buy my Tesla at the end of my lease?
- How Tesla is different
- How do I finance with Tesla?
- In conclusion
Because Tesla doesn't accept credit cards
They would also run the risk of delaying your car payment. Many card companies offer chargebacks for customers who feel dissatisfied, which could set the car money back for weeks or even months. Repossessing the car would not be possible for them either as the payment would be considered unsecured, leaving you off the hook if you refused to pay.
Will Tesla do a credit check?
You might be relieved to know that Tesla doesn't do credit checks for their customers, and there's no minimum credit score you'd need to buy or finance one of their models. Buyers with relatively high credit score +720, will have lower APR interest.
Can you negotiate the price of a Tesla?
Tesla says it refuses to budge on any model price. If you have a trade-in vehicle, you may be able to negotiate the revaluation and increase the trade-in value. Negotiating delivery charges is possible, as is a potential “showroom” discount, but neither of these options should be invoked to reduce payment. You don't have a middleman who takes commission here. You often buy directly through the company, which some may not be aware of.
Does Tesla accept trade-ins?
Tesla will accept most car and truck models. This will also go for SUVs and many vans. You can trade it in for a used or new car, and the site offers the chance to get a personalized quote on your car. The quote will be a mix of covering factors
- Mileage
- Age
- Condition
If you are trading in a non-Tesla model, the quotes will be taken from Kelly Bluebook. You can trade in your car during checkout, but you won't be able to trade in more than one car for your new Tesla. You also won't be able to trade in your vehicle if it has been badly damaged, and your trade-in value may decrease.
Make sure when you go trade in your car that you haven't made any after-market modifications to it. Any modifications that are not in stock will depreciate the value of the car.
Do I need to have the car title?
You will need to own the car title if you plan to trade within any of these states
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Minnesota
- Montana
- NY
- Oklahoma
- Wyoming
You will need to trade in your car on the day of delivery as Tesla will not accept the trade-in before or after the time of delivery. If you're not happy with your Tesla, they'll give you a check that will refund you for your trade-in, and they'll refund you for your next purchase. If you have negative equity with the company, you may have to pay a fee out of pocket.
When do I pay for my Tesla?
You will need to pay for your Tesla before the day of delivery and is required before your vehicle is physically picked up. Once payment has been made in full and marked as complete, the company will deliver the vehicle to you.
What are the accepted payment methods?
The main form of payment comes in the form of AHC transfers and bank checks. Many buyers have reported that they have been able to purchase their Tesla using debit cards. You will need to speak to your Tesla representative about your preferred payment method, as as we said, you will not be able to pay for your Tesla on the day of delivery.
You will have to pay in full or have a guarantee from an accrediting financial institution. The company provides a motor vehicle purchase agreement facilitate the purchase and is often found in your Tesla Account.
Tesla financing
There are very few loan/lease options
You will only be able to rent these new models
- Model S
- Model X
- Model E (this model cannot be purchased after leasing)
They also only offer auto loans for these models
- Model S
- Model X
- 3 model
This means they won't be able to help you with a lease or loan on older models. If you are looking to finance older models, it will be best to go through a credit union
These options have very short terms
This will vary on the model you are planning to purchase. There are only 60 and 72 month lease options for the X and S models. Model 3 has a very wide range of deals starting at 36 months and going all the way up to 72. These terms are somewhat common, but there are many manufacturers out there that offer a wider selection of deals.
If you're looking to take the lowest term, 36, then you may get these options as well
- 10,000
- 12,000
- 15,000
Please note that these financing options are only available in 21/50 states in the US
You can finance at home
The entire process can be done online, which means you can go through the loan or lease process in the comfort of your home. You are able to design and customize it before depositing a $2.500 refundable deposit. You can start financing your Tesla within 30 days of the delivery date.
Many other automakers will ask you to be pre-approved before having to drive to the dealership for financing options. Many times people are forced to choose their car at dealerships before going through any type of financing.
There are incentives for electric vehicles
It is well known that an electric car costs statistically less fuel than a gas car. Tesla also estimates that the amount saved could be between $4.300 and $6.400 over a six-year time period. Many states also have numerous incentives to push electric cars making you eligible for $1,875 if you buy your own Tesla and have it delivered between July 1 and December 21, 2019
This offering represents their three most recent models only.
What you should know about financing with Tesla
Car loan rates here can range from $10.000 up to 100% of the total car value. The company won't issue you any prepayment penalties, which means you won't have to pay your lease any sooner than you'd like. Your loan offer will come with a minimum down payment that will cover sales tax and many vehicle taxes.
Financing alternatives
If you're not sure if Tesla financing is right for you or you don't get financing options because you don't like it in one of the 21 states, there are two reputable alternatives that can help.
- Bank of America: Whether you're looking to lease a Model Y or buy one from a private seller, Bank Of American can help you with auto loans
- Caravan: If you are interested in financing a used Tesla, this site is the path to take.
Can I finance with my bank/credit union?
Tesla will allow buyers to finance through any trusted 3rd party organization and you will need to provide them with your VIN, which can be found in your Tesla Account. You'll need to mix up some required documents to help Tesla verify your organization's credibility, including the exact dollar amount of your loan.
Can I buy my Tesla at the end of my lease?
Tesla allows those who fulfill their lease the option to purchase the Tesla based on these few requirements that the lessee will have to pay:
- lease
- Taxes
- Official taxes
The company lets you buy your lease up front, but Tesla says doing so can result in several thousand dollars in debt for breaking your lease, and they push people to fulfill their contract to avoid it.
How Tesla is different
Knowing that they won't be pressured into buying a particular model, or perhaps ripped off is why Tesla stores are so popular. This is part of Elon Musk's plan to help revolutionize the auto industry and is forcing other dealerships to up their game in digital marketing to compete with the information Tesla is giving out. Many customers know what they want from the dealership before they even set foot on the lot because they've done their home research.
Many of the shop workers just educate customers about the features of the model and answer questions they could not find solutions. Tesla will only sell its cars online, so the sales pitch is removed by the specialist when he discloses information. Musk says that without locating a Tesla store in crowded locations, it would be impossible to educate customers about models with a typical dealership setup.
How do I finance with Tesla?
Financing your Tesla can be done in a few easy steps, and you'll want to keep your credit card around to pay the initial payment.
Visit Website
Financing and customizing your Tesla starts here. The Tesla Design Studio is a tool that customers use to tailor their car to their needs and makes sure they are satisfied with the product before it is even delivered. You can customize features such as
- Model: Are you going for the Model X or S? Model 3 can also be chosen here.
- Wheels: Tesla offers three different types of wheels
- Autopilot: This feature can run you up to $5.000 more and allows your car to change lanes, brake and accelerate without assistance
- Speed: Your Tesla can reach 150 mph or 250 mph, with the Roadster boasting a much higher speed.
- Range: Determines how many miles your Tesla can go without charging, and ranges from 259 miles to 335.
One of the biggest costs that isn't disclosed right away is a charging station. These can easily run up to $700 and is a necessity for your electric car. This is one of the major issues many consumers have with Teslas as it takes a while to charge your car. Refueling your car can take a few minutes, but fully charging a Tesla can take a few hours.
Visit a Tesla center
These centers are showrooms designed to answer all questions. Unlike Tesla stores, these centers will allow you to test drive your Tesla, which helps people better see for themselves what they would like. Tesla Centers occasionally sell Tesla directly, but showrooms are typically limited, meaning you may not be able to find everything you want there.
If you don't live in an area that has a showroom, Tesla holds a lot of driving events in states where they're a bit underrepresented. This helps Tesla connect with many potential consumers. You can find showrooms in states like
- New Hampshire
- California
- Virginia
- Colorado
Buy your Tesla
As we said in the previous point, it is possible to buy Tesla directly in the states that have showrooms. In other states it's illegal, which means you'll most likely need to buy or finance your Tesla online. Luckily, buying from their website is a painless process that doesn't take much time.
It's a two-step process that starts with configuring your car to suit your needs, which includes all the features we listed in the first point. Your next step is to figure out how you're going to finance, and unless you're paying everything upfront, chances are you'll be a bit squeamish about your loan packages. Even if you don't need a minimum credit score, your loan plan will be based on your number and payment schedule.
In conclusion
Your credit card will only be useful for a very small part of your transaction and will not be able to cover any down payments. The reason they don't take credit cards is valid; it puts them at risk of losing profits to commissions and can even mean they don't get paid at all in the worst case. Tesla isn't like many automakers because of their direct sales and doesn't need a dealership to act as a middleman.
This helps them keep costs down and forces them to market their stores in high traffic areas which can create a buzz. Customers don't worry about getting ripped off with Tesla because there's no middleman to take a commission on sales. You are more likely to find Tesla stores in the licensed states we mentioned above.
Their loan and finance plans will vary based on your model, but not your credit score. Plans can start at 32 months and go up to 72 months with the option to buy your Tesla after your plan has expired. EV incentives act as a bonus for these models, especially when you factor in federal credit. Everything is done online, which means you'll need to have quite a bit of paperwork with you as you go through your leasing plans.
