By: Otaiba Ahsan

The hood of a Tesla with the Tesla Emblem

In the unlikely event that your Tesla Model 3 or Y has no low-voltage power, you will be unable to open the front trunk (frunk) using the touchscreen, key fob or mobile app. Luckily, Tesla has made it so that you can open it with no power in just a few short steps. Continue reading for steps on how to open the hood of your Tesla Model 3 and Model Y with no power.

Opening the Hood with No Power

The following instructions won’t work to open the frunk if the Model 3 or Y is locked and has low voltage power. With that being said, see the steps below:

1) Locate an external low-voltage power supply such as a portable jump starter.

2) Release the tow eye cover by pressing firmly on the top right perimeter of the cover until it pivots inward, then gently pull the raised section towards you. Tesla has a useful visual for what the tow eye cover looks like.

NOTE: The tow eye cover is connected to the vehicle’s black negative (-) terminal.

3) Pull the two wires out of the tow eye opening to expose both terminals. Next, connect your external low-voltage power supply’s red positive (+) cable to the red positive (+) terminal. Similarly, connect the power supply’s black negative (-) cable to the black negative terminal (-).

NOTE: Applying external low-voltage power to these terminals only releases the hood latches. You cannot charge the low-voltage battery using these terminals.

4) Turn on the external power supply, and the hood latches will immediately release. You’ll then be able to open the hood to access the frunk area. Lastly, disconnect both cables, beginning with the black negative (-) one.

Once complete, you’ll want to correctly close your front trunk. Lucky for you, we’ve created a simple guide on how to properly close the hood of a Tesla.

The Bottom Line

The steps on how to open the hood of your Tesla Model 3 and Model Y with no power are straightforward. First, find a reliable external low-voltage power supply, then release the tow eye cover. Next, connect the power supply’s red positive (+) cable to the red terminal, and then the black negative (-) cable to the black terminal. Lastly, turn on the external power supply and the hood latches will immediately release.