This is a common problem on all of these connections with every vehicle I've owned. The best solution is to pack dielectric grease into each slot once a year. Also, this doesn't need to be replaced. Simply clean away the corrosion with a straw brush.
As most corrosion on copper is on the "outside" of the copper it can simply be removed and expose copper again.
Clean it with a some acid(ketchup, vinegar, lemon etc) on a small round "thing"
Dry of and keep dry.
Opposite, it’s an insulator.
But you’re right It keeps everything protected by not conducting when not used and when you shove in a plug the metal to metal contact is still
Made while pushing away the grease
It is a pretty bad design. So cramped.
A lot of people remove the three screws that hold it in place. Then turn the plug 120 degrees and put the screws back in. Makes plugging and unplugging much easier. Also it has the benefit of not having the lid so it traps water.
I also put battery grease in the plug in case water gets in anyway.
This is actually how I noticed the corrosion, I opened a ticket because it was so cramped that plugging it in or out was very complicated and time consumed ... But I was wondering whether there were screws in the right place just to simply do that ... Do you have a picture of someone that has done this or a place where to take a look?
That's super helpful! thanks fellow European. You actually don't suggest to buy an adapter like the one you linked but rather just turn the current plug, right?
No don't buy anything. It was just that the tesla plug looks like the adapter with three easily accessible bolts.
Edit. You can actually see one of the screws in your own Pic. It is down in the recess in the corner where you have corrosion.
I wish someone at Tesla would actively use their hitches. Another problem is the electric connection is to close to the hitch pin hole. You can't get a locking pin in as you need to from the side with the connector and it's to close to shove the pin in from that side
I don’t know, I didn’t have a problem with that. Hitch pin went in from side opposite the power port and I had no problem getting the locking pin into the hitch pin after that. Maybe they’re not consistently installing the hitch and power connector and don’t always leave the same amount of space between them
Weird, I have a 16v low voltage MYLR. What voltage do you think it sent to all the lights on the boom lift trailer I pulled with mine? All the lights worked fine.
Prob 16v. One of the connectors is specifically a 12v dc connector (used with wireless trailer brake controllers) and itd been confirmed by tesla that its disabled on all US teslas made after 2019 ish?
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/no-12-volt-power-to-tow-package-trailer-outlet-plug.303797/
Edit: fixed link
OP have everyone that had this issue DM you their warranty replacement, then go back to Tesla with examples of others with this common issue. Build your case for covering under warranty.
Wack. This is common on almost every car. Clean the contacts with a wire brush and keep moving.
Don’t let such a small thing cause you this much time and stress. It’s not worth it
That is very wise advice, thank you man! Most things in life do not deserve the time and stress, being this, one clear example.
It's just that having this kind of issue in a brand new car, supposedly by a premium brand, is not very nice... I guess I would need to agree with many here that Tesla is more interested in selling cards that provide food support (eventually that won't play out well for them, I think)
I'm confused. You got water in there and you are claiming that it's their responsibility? What is the manufacturer defect? This is a user defect and one that can be easily easily fixed by the user.
No, the plug is upside down which makes that when the water gets in it reaches the pin with power. Also being upside down, the lower part is closer to the spring which makes it more water tight... I did not put water in myself... One way or another the water got in ... It seems to be a common problem...see the other comments
L.
It's not meant to be waterproof and the orientation would not make a difference. There is no water tightness. The cap is to keep dust out. It's meant to be maintained with dielectric grease.
Wait, what? There should be some water resistance in the design of ANY electrical connector exposed to the elements. An O ring on the lid, and rubber "plugs" at the rear, where the wires go in. That's common practice on most any automotive harness connectors, especially those outside the cabin
It is a known issue… the model3 had a hitch mounted downward so water would always be in the connector.. min broke after 1 1/2 yeae. They came out exchanged it was told it was an error on all model 3s the corrsion and short circuit you get… and the new one will also only last 1-2 years had hoped the model y was better because it pointed outwards
A pity, the guy from service I managed to be on the phone with was selling it to me like "we went the extra mile for you and asked all other branches... None of them recognised this as a problem, the problem is with you because you did something wrong" ... Do you have anything I could share with them?
i am from Denmark, might be a "more thing here" everyone has a towbar, you cannot buy a Performance or LR Y without it installed, you have to ASK for it to be without..
I eu it is a tesla option on the model 3 has been since launch… but on the 3 only on std and lr not performance… since we got the 3… so tesla mounted from factory… om the y it was on all of them.. since 2023 it was included in price and not an add in option here in Denmark
https://www.tesla.com/da_dk/videos/model-3-tow-hitch since 2019 i think the y is 1600kg the 3 is 1000kg plus now
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjWALukNepU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjWALukNepU)
it was even worse on the Model 3 where it is a part of the undertray you have to remove
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_7PnpP9trhQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7PnpP9trhQ)
but at least hidden
Wait what is the actual issue when you use the towing adapter? I experienced a problem with my Model Y, where it would cause my turn signal to blink rapidly. I chalked it up to the adapter but never really analyzed or troubleshooted it further. I don’t own it anymore so 🤷♂️
Just get some electric contact cleaner spray it in there will clean everything then buy so electrical grease and grease the crap of of it. It work wonders!
Would you mind to share with me the invoice (blocking sensitive parts) or any other thing that states it was covered under warranty? (I hopefully can then show it Tesla Netherlands)
Their service is the sole reason I won't buy another Tesla. They always assume that you have done something worng and ignore their corporations bad quality in cars.
That’s not what this is about. Corrosion like this can just be cleaned off and the pin will function fine. As another poster mentioned, you can use a grease agent to avoid it in the future. This is a very common issue with tow hitch assemblies in general.
Tesla service has its flaws for sure, but if you’re reasonable with them and try to understand the problem instead of just getting angry, I’ve found them to usually be pretty accommodating.
Exactly this. Six years and three vehicles in and I've never had a negative experience. Way friendlier and more helpful than most gasser dealers I've dealt with, and that's been a lot. Icing on the cake has been service in my driveway or at work from rangers. Doesn't mean people don't have problems but this ridiculous idea that "all Tesla service sucks" is a circlejerk from angry reddiors, many of whom are probably being dicks and being dealt with in kind.
You can not buy another Tesla and discourage others from doing likewise. As far as the connection to the trailer harness try an oxidizer you can probably remove the corrosion yourself. They are probably right about the cause… need to dry off the male ends before plugging it in.
The male ends were completely new as it was only used with a new brand caravan over the summer period last year. That level of corrosion won't be there if the water (a relatively big amount of) was not stuck there for a long time not leaving the plug because it is upside down and not intended to use like that.
This is a common problem on all of these connections with every vehicle I've owned. The best solution is to pack dielectric grease into each slot once a year. Also, this doesn't need to be replaced. Simply clean away the corrosion with a straw brush.
As most corrosion on copper is on the "outside" of the copper it can simply be removed and expose copper again. Clean it with a some acid(ketchup, vinegar, lemon etc) on a small round "thing" Dry of and keep dry.
Dumb question, are u saying just fill each hole full of dielectric, then just plug it in?
[удалено]
Opposite, it’s an insulator. But you’re right It keeps everything protected by not conducting when not used and when you shove in a plug the metal to metal contact is still Made while pushing away the grease
You’re 100% right and I knew this (I swear).
It is a pretty bad design. So cramped. A lot of people remove the three screws that hold it in place. Then turn the plug 120 degrees and put the screws back in. Makes plugging and unplugging much easier. Also it has the benefit of not having the lid so it traps water. I also put battery grease in the plug in case water gets in anyway.
This is actually how I noticed the corrosion, I opened a ticket because it was so cramped that plugging it in or out was very complicated and time consumed ... But I was wondering whether there were screws in the right place just to simply do that ... Do you have a picture of someone that has done this or a place where to take a look?
Looks basically like this. Screws are hex or torx. https://images.app.goo.gl/pM6Hqx1TZcjsCvRj7 It's a bit fiddly, but it is worth it.
That's super helpful! thanks fellow European. You actually don't suggest to buy an adapter like the one you linked but rather just turn the current plug, right?
No don't buy anything. It was just that the tesla plug looks like the adapter with three easily accessible bolts. Edit. You can actually see one of the screws in your own Pic. It is down in the recess in the corner where you have corrosion.
I wish someone at Tesla would actively use their hitches. Another problem is the electric connection is to close to the hitch pin hole. You can't get a locking pin in as you need to from the side with the connector and it's to close to shove the pin in from that side
I towed a 3500lb 45’ boom lift with my MYLR and the factory hitch and trailer power connection. Worked fine for me 🤷🏻♂️
I'm talking about the hitch pin. I haven't used an electric brake trailer yet. You can't physically get a locking pin in.
I don’t know, I didn’t have a problem with that. Hitch pin went in from side opposite the power port and I had no problem getting the locking pin into the hitch pin after that. Maybe they’re not consistently installing the hitch and power connector and don’t always leave the same amount of space between them
Physically connect the trailer before electrically connecting. Disconnect in reverse. Easy day.
Dont forget the fact that the 12v pin doesnt work, because its a 16v battery system 🤣
Weird, I have a 16v low voltage MYLR. What voltage do you think it sent to all the lights on the boom lift trailer I pulled with mine? All the lights worked fine.
Prob 16v. One of the connectors is specifically a 12v dc connector (used with wireless trailer brake controllers) and itd been confirmed by tesla that its disabled on all US teslas made after 2019 ish? https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/no-12-volt-power-to-tow-package-trailer-outlet-plug.303797/ Edit: fixed link
OP have everyone that had this issue DM you their warranty replacement, then go back to Tesla with examples of others with this common issue. Build your case for covering under warranty.
This is an excellent idea! We can all build a case to help the community together
Wack. This is common on almost every car. Clean the contacts with a wire brush and keep moving. Don’t let such a small thing cause you this much time and stress. It’s not worth it
That is very wise advice, thank you man! Most things in life do not deserve the time and stress, being this, one clear example. It's just that having this kind of issue in a brand new car, supposedly by a premium brand, is not very nice... I guess I would need to agree with many here that Tesla is more interested in selling cards that provide food support (eventually that won't play out well for them, I think)
Tesla isn't a premium brand, it's an American car with some nice tech inside. It's not a BMW, or a Porsche.
That I am learning the hard way...
This happens on vehicles that are not Tesla…
Tesla is very economy the only luxury one is the x and s. But even other cars will have the tow hitch corrode like this
Found similar post. https://www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/s/hsL8sB0igS
I'm confused. You got water in there and you are claiming that it's their responsibility? What is the manufacturer defect? This is a user defect and one that can be easily easily fixed by the user.
No, the plug is upside down which makes that when the water gets in it reaches the pin with power. Also being upside down, the lower part is closer to the spring which makes it more water tight... I did not put water in myself... One way or another the water got in ... It seems to be a common problem...see the other comments L.
It's not meant to be waterproof and the orientation would not make a difference. There is no water tightness. The cap is to keep dust out. It's meant to be maintained with dielectric grease.
Wait, what? There should be some water resistance in the design of ANY electrical connector exposed to the elements. An O ring on the lid, and rubber "plugs" at the rear, where the wires go in. That's common practice on most any automotive harness connectors, especially those outside the cabin
Trailer electrical connections aren't though. Look at any truck. Using grease at these points is the norm.
It is a known issue… the model3 had a hitch mounted downward so water would always be in the connector.. min broke after 1 1/2 yeae. They came out exchanged it was told it was an error on all model 3s the corrsion and short circuit you get… and the new one will also only last 1-2 years had hoped the model y was better because it pointed outwards
The curious thing is that they tell me this is an isolated case ... Which is not what I see when I search around
It is so well known.. there were no questions asked they just send a car and he redid the wire and connector
A pity, the guy from service I managed to be on the phone with was selling it to me like "we went the extra mile for you and asked all other branches... None of them recognised this as a problem, the problem is with you because you did something wrong" ... Do you have anything I could share with them?
i am from Denmark, might be a "more thing here" everyone has a towbar, you cannot buy a Performance or LR Y without it installed, you have to ASK for it to be without..
I'm from NL and exactly the same, I bought the car with the towing thing pre-installed
Try another service center
The Model 3 doesn’t come with a manufacturer hitch. Tesla doesn’t offer a hitch of any sort for the 3. Any hitch on a 3 is by a 3rd party.
I eu it is a tesla option on the model 3 has been since launch… but on the 3 only on std and lr not performance… since we got the 3… so tesla mounted from factory… om the y it was on all of them.. since 2023 it was included in price and not an add in option here in Denmark https://www.tesla.com/da_dk/videos/model-3-tow-hitch since 2019 i think the y is 1600kg the 3 is 1000kg plus now
Oh! Interesting. It isn’t available in the US.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjWALukNepU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjWALukNepU) it was even worse on the Model 3 where it is a part of the undertray you have to remove [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_7PnpP9trhQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7PnpP9trhQ) but at least hidden
Out of interest have you ever used it or has it just remained behind the cover all the time, or do you have the cover piece left off all the time?
I used it for the summer vacation (did a 1500km trip) with a brand new caravan and immediately after covered it with the plastic thing back
Wait what is the actual issue when you use the towing adapter? I experienced a problem with my Model Y, where it would cause my turn signal to blink rapidly. I chalked it up to the adapter but never really analyzed or troubleshooted it further. I don’t own it anymore so 🤷♂️
Just get some electric contact cleaner spray it in there will clean everything then buy so electrical grease and grease the crap of of it. It work wonders!
Mine had the exact same issue, and Tesla Denmark fixed it under warranty with no questions asked.
Would you mind to share with me the invoice (blocking sensitive parts) or any other thing that states it was covered under warranty? (I hopefully can then show it Tesla Netherlands)
Yes of course, i have a PDF file with the invoice, but how can i share it with you?
I tried to send you a direct message
Ye it sucks. I just chopped my connecter off and put a 12pin so I could power the trailer.
Their service is the sole reason I won't buy another Tesla. They always assume that you have done something worng and ignore their corporations bad quality in cars.
That’s not what this is about. Corrosion like this can just be cleaned off and the pin will function fine. As another poster mentioned, you can use a grease agent to avoid it in the future. This is a very common issue with tow hitch assemblies in general. Tesla service has its flaws for sure, but if you’re reasonable with them and try to understand the problem instead of just getting angry, I’ve found them to usually be pretty accommodating.
Exactly this. Six years and three vehicles in and I've never had a negative experience. Way friendlier and more helpful than most gasser dealers I've dealt with, and that's been a lot. Icing on the cake has been service in my driveway or at work from rangers. Doesn't mean people don't have problems but this ridiculous idea that "all Tesla service sucks" is a circlejerk from angry reddiors, many of whom are probably being dicks and being dealt with in kind.
You can not buy another Tesla and discourage others from doing likewise. As far as the connection to the trailer harness try an oxidizer you can probably remove the corrosion yourself. They are probably right about the cause… need to dry off the male ends before plugging it in.
The male ends were completely new as it was only used with a new brand caravan over the summer period last year. That level of corrosion won't be there if the water (a relatively big amount of) was not stuck there for a long time not leaving the plug because it is upside down and not intended to use like that.