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Tesla battery installation notes

tesla model y lithium battery

Every new 12V battery installed in a Tesla must go through a reset procedure be it lithium or lead
These are the procedures outlined in the Tesla manual;
Removal:

  • Prepare the vehicle to remove the low voltage lead-acid battery:

    • Ensure the vehicle is in Park.

    • Lower all windows.

    • Open the front trunk.

    • Leave a door propped open so you can get back into the vehicle if needed.

    • Disconnect the charge cable from the charge port.

  • Move the driver and front passenger seat fully forward.

  • Under the rear seat, press the left and right tabs to the side and lift the seat cushion up. The seat separates from the base but is still restrained by one wire harness on each side.

  • Disconnect the wire harnesses and remove the seat cushion.

  • In the front trunk, remove the vehicle’s underhood apron by inserting a small, non-marring flat tool or your fingers underneath the panel. Pull up to loosen the clips

  • Remove the cabin intake duct

  • Power off the vehicle by navigating to ‘Controls’ > ‘Safety’ > ‘Power Off’ on the touchscreen.

  • Disconnect the low voltage cable from penthouse

  • In the rear passenger seat, remove the foam cover and set it aside. The foam covers the low voltage cable

  • Release and pull down the gray lever-arm on the side of the low voltage connector

  • Pull the connector upward to disconnect it from the penthouse

  • Detach Neg. terminal clamp w 10mm socket, same for + and cover + clamp with rag.

  • Unplug vent hose, not needed with lithium.

  • remove clamp, and lift out old heavy battery; be sure to brace yourself to avoid back sprain.

  • Install new lithium battery but not cables yet

  • Reconnect penthouse cable to the connector, ensure grey lever arm is down

  • Secure connector by lifting arm upward till it clicks into place

  • connect positive cable, connect negative cable to battery

  • open a door to confirm power restored and touch screen turns on, may take several minutes

  • connect rear seat wire harness and put all else back together

  • ​

  • For Traditional POWER RESET :

  • 1. Unplug the Fireman’s High Voltage Loop under the Frunk cover.

  • 2. Disconnect the Negative lead from the 12 Volt Battery
  • 3. Let Vehicle sit at least 2 minutes
  • 4. Reconnect Negative lead on the 12 Volt Battery
  • 5. Reconnect the plug on the Fireman’s High Voltage Loop
  • ​
  • RESET AND FULL 12V BATTERY CHARGE
  • 1. Unplug the Fireman’s High Voltage Loop
  • 2. Disconnect the Negative lead from the 12 Volt Battery
  • 3. Charge 12 Volt battery to FULL charge
  • 4. Reconnect Negative lead on the 12 Volt Battery
  • 5. Reconnect the plug on the Fireman’s High Voltage Loop
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