Tesla Model 3 Not Charging? These Might Be the Reasons

By Muhammad Hassan •  Updated: 01/03/23 •  7 min read
tesla model 3 not charging
Credit to Js1977

Plugged in your Model 3 for charging at night and woke up the next morning to a partially charged Tesla… Day ruiner, isn’t it?

However, before you start cursing your vehicle for not charging, it is wise to look for the reason behind it because you may find a fix for it.

After extensive research, I’ve come up with 11 possible reasons that might be the culprits and their solutions.

Maybe It’s Your Fault 

Check If You Connected the Plug Properly

The plug is the first thing you need to check if your Model 3 isn’t charging properly because sometimes it’s not pushed hard enough to reach the connection port, resulting in your vehicle charging off and on.

How do you know it’s pushed far enough? Simple! When the plug reaches the connection port, it locks in there, producing a click sound. 

When you feel and hear that sound, sit back and relax because now you won’t face charging issues because of the plug.

Check If It’s Due for Scheduled Charging

Model 3 chargers come with a scheduled charging option to facilitate users, and if you’re unaware of this, things may get out of control. 

If you accidentally scheduled your Model 3 to a specific start time, it won’t begin to charge until then. 

You can either disable the scheduled charging or reset the timing according to your daily schedule.

To disable scheduled charging from your Model 3, tap Controls > Charging> Scheduled Charging and disable it. 

Here’s a quick YouTube video from Edward EV Tech explaining how it works:

Check If You Set the Charging Limit Correctly

The Model 3 allows you to set a desired maximum limit for battery charging, which applies to all your charging sessions. 

If you haven’t set that charging limit correctly, your vehicle will not charge to its maximum potential, resulting in fast battery drains.

Also, Tesla recommends setting the charging limit to 100% and fully charging your Model 3 at least once a day if your Model 3 is equipped with LFP batteries.

To adjust the charging limit on your Model 3:

Go to Controls > Charging > Charging Limit and adjust by dragging the arrow below the battery to indicate the level of charging you want. 

To determine if your vehicle is equipped with an LFP battery:

Navigate to Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information

Check If Your Outlet Connection Is Secure

The standard outlet connection for Model 3 home charging is 240 volt NEMA 14-50 installed with a 50 amp circuit breaker.

Make sure that your home charging outlet meets the required specifications to avoid charging issues. 

If your Model 3 isn’t charging even after meeting the criteria, there must be an error in securing the outlet connection. 

In that case, call a licensed electrician or seek help from Tesla technical support to secure the connection. 

You can perform a DIY activity if you have enough understanding of the process. Watch this YouTube video from Tesla Tech to have an idea:

Maybe It’s a Software Issue

Check If Your Software Is Glitching

As Tesla is a software-oriented vehicle, it’s processing so much code all the time, which normally results in minor glitches. 

These glitches can also hinder the charging process, particularly when a new software update comes. 

If your Model 3 is not charging after an update, rebooting it can be helpful; however, in extreme cases, you might need to contact Tesla support. 

To reboot your Model 3,

  1. Shift into Park.
  2. On the touchscreen, tap Control > Safety > Power off.
  3. Wait for at least two minutes without interacting with the vehicle. 
  4. After two minutes, press the brake pedal or open the door to wake the vehicle.

Another common software glitch in Model 3 charging is that it stops somewhere between 95% and 99% and doesn’t go up to 100%; however, that’s normal, and it’s not something to be worried about. 

Check If Your Tesla App or Third-Party App Has a Bug

If your Model 3’s software is clean, chances are that you have a problem with your mobile app because, in the end, it’s also software. 

Although the Tesla app has minimal chances of getting bugs and glitches, you can experience one. However, restarting the app can fix the problem.

If that doesn’t make any difference, you can report to Tesla by simply using a voice command. In your mobile app, say Report, Feedback, or Bug report, followed by brief comments.

In case you’re using a third-party app instead of a Tesla app, you’re more likely to experience a bug because these apps don’t integrate properly with the vehicle.

Restarting or reinstalling the app can be helpful in such cases.

Maybe It’s Your Charger

Check If Your Outlet Is Malfunctioning

The charging outlet you’re using to charge your Model 3 may malfunction at times due to various reasons, resulting in charging problems.

One of the common reasons for malfunctioning is not following the standard outlet recommendations from Tesla. 

If you’re still facing the problem even after using 240 volts NEMA 14-50 charging outlets per recommendation, check for the damage and make sure the wiring is done properly.

Check If Your Charger’s Charging Pins Are Faulty

Faulty charging pins can also be the reason for faulty charging, and there are mainly two ways for this to happen. 

Firstly, if your charger is not stored in the proper environment, it may get corroded. This can also happen if the charger gets in contact with a corroded charging port.

Secondly, any kind of damage to the pins obstructs the charger to fit in the charging port, leaving you with a partially charged Tesla. 

Check If the Public Charger You’re Trying to Charge at Is Defective

Typically, public chargers aren’t well maintained, and your Model 3 can stop charging when you’re using one.

To make sure, try charging on a separate charger. If your Model 3 starts charging, there’s nothing wrong on your part, and the public charger is to blame. 

Maybe It’s Your Car

Check If It Isn’t a Case of Burnt Chip

The Model 3 operates using multiple chips to carry out various functions, and there’s a particular chip responsible for carrying out charging. 

Once it’s damaged or burnt, it starts malfunctioning and causes your vehicle to randomly stop charging.

 However, you don’t need to lose hope as Tesla service can fix this if you take your Model 3 to a Tesla workshop. 

Check If Your… God Forbid… Battery Has Worn Out!

A worn-out battery is a serious problem, but normally, the Model 3’s battery doesn’t charge properly because of reduced battery health. 

In that case, there’s always a chance for recovery as Tesla is using lithium-ion batteries in their vehicles, which are recyclable. 

Only in rare case scenarios where the battery dies completely, you’d need to replace it with a new one.

If that happens, consulting a Tesla service center would be the one possible solution.

Final Thoughts

You ought now to have a better understanding of the potential causes of your Model 3’s charging troubles after reading through these 11 explanations.

With these 11 explanations, you should have a clearer picture of what is causing your Model 3’s charging problems.

The majority of these issues may be resolved quickly and simply without the need to send the vehicle to a repair center. Reboots are highly useful and usually address any minor software difficulties with charging.

Still, if you become lost or puzzled during the troubleshooting procedure, I recommend calling Tesla support and speaking with a professional.

Tesla service representatives are already aware of previous flaws; thus, their insights might come in really handy.

Muhammad Hassan

Engineer by trade and writer by passion, Hassan is an automotive enthusiast who thinks EVs are the future. At TTU, he discusses the coolest features and products Model 3 owners look for -- so they can better experience their cars. In his free time, he enjoys tea, reading, and listening to podcasts.

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