Tesla Won’t Charge to 100: Possible Reasons and Solutions

Many Tesla Model 3 owners have reported that their cars won’t charge to 100 percent, even after waiting for the ‘Charging Complete’ message to appear on the screen. This issue can be caused by several factors, including a cold battery, internal error, problematic wall charger, and grime inside the charging port.

Fortunately, there are four methods that can be used to fix this issue. These include heating up the battery, recalibrating or resetting the BMS, rebooting or changing the wall charger, and cleaning the charging port. In this article, you will learn about each of these methods in detail and how they can help you resolve the issue of your Tesla car not charging to 100 percent.

Ways To Fix Tesla Won’t Charge To 100 Percent Error!

If you are experiencing trouble charging your Tesla to 100%, then don’t worry as there are a few things you can try to fix the issue. In this section, we will discuss some methods that can help you troubleshoot the problem.

Method 1: Warm Up Your Tesla Before Charging

One of the reasons why your Tesla might not be charging to 100% is because the battery is too cold. To fix this issue, you can warm up your Tesla before charging it. Here’s how:

1. Turn on your phone and open the Tesla app.
2. Click on Climate > Defrost to make the car warm during the cold season.
3. Check the blue snowflake icon on your Tesla touchscreen which needs to be gone to ensure the battery is warm.
4. Go to the touchscreen to click on Quick Controls > Pedals & Steering > Acceleration.
5. Choose the Chill mode to drive at moderate speed for around 10 – 20 minutes in order to keep the Tesla battery warm and ready for 100% charging.

Method 2: Try BMS (Battery Management System) Reset

Another reason why your Tesla may not be charging to 100% is due to a problem with the Battery Management System (BMS). To fix this issue, you can try resetting the BMS. Here’s how:

1. Keep your Tesla in sleep mode overnight or during the day so that the car can stay inactive for some time. Ensure that it isn’t on Sentry Mode, so turn it off.
2. Do not charge the car for the night. Ensure that the charging status is reading when the charge changes. It’s best if the State of Charge (SoC) is below 50%.
3. Turn off the 3rd party apps or external stuff that keep the car awake. In fact, do not use the Tesla app during this time.
4. After 4 – 6 hours of Tesla’s deep sleep, check if the charge status is changing to low percentages. If it changes the charging status, then the recalibration or reset system of BMS is completed during the changes.

Method 3: Reset or Replace Charger

If the above methods don’t work, you can try resetting or replacing the charger. Here’s how:

1. Find out the circuit breaker which is connected to the charger.
2. Turn it in an off position and leave it like this for 10 – 12 seconds. This will help the charger to let residual current drain.
3. Turn the circuit breaker in on position.
4. Wait for the charger to function and test it out.
5. If that doesn’t solve the bug, then it’s best to replace the charger.

Method 4: Clean the Charging Port

If your Tesla still won’t charge to 100%, then you can try cleaning the charging port. Here’s how:

1. Locate the charging port at the back of the Tesla.
2. Turn the port cover to open by clicking on it, using the charger button from Supercharger, or using the key fob and the Tesla app to open it.
3. Take a brush or clean rag to wipe out the interior surface. Make sure you use the small cotton buds to reach the unreachable spot and clean the dirt.

By following these methods, you can troubleshoot the charging issue and ensure that your Tesla is charged to 100% without any problems.

Exactly Why Does My Tesla Not Charge To 100 Percent?

When it comes to charging your Tesla, there are a few factors that can cause it to not charge to 100%. One of the most common reasons is cold weather, which can cause the battery to get cold and result in charging getting stuck at a daily basic level of 90% – 95%. Additionally, internal bugs can cause the battery level to show below 100% by inputting incorrect status. Power outages are another reason why the car can’t charge at full level. If that happens, the Tesla charge port red light will be shown. Lastly, something stuck inside the charging port can cause an obstacle to charge fully.

Can You Charge Your Tesla To 100? (Safe Or Unsafe)

Charging a Tesla to 100% is possible and safe on a special occasion like going on a long road trip or traveling to a remote location. However, it is not advisable to make it a daily habit as it can degrade the battery over time. Charging a Tesla to its maximum limit can cause the battery to use more power, which drains 2.5x to 7x times faster than charging it up to 90%.

It is recommended to charge your Tesla up to 90% on a usual occasion, which can help you get enough mileage in winter or hot seasons. Overcharging the battery can also reduce its longevity. Therefore, it is best to avoid charging your Tesla to 100% regularly.

Tesla owners can also take advantage of the Supercharger network and regenerative braking to improve the efficiency of their vehicle. Charging stations are widely available, making it easy to charge your Tesla while on a road trip.

In conclusion, while it is safe to charge your Tesla to 100%, it is not recommended to make it a daily habit. Charging up to 90% is sufficient for most driving situations and can help prolong the battery’s longevity.

Wrapping Up

To ensure that your Tesla charges to 100 percent, it is essential to identify the real causes of the issue. Regular maintenance and care can help keep your Tesla performing better without showing any bugs. The above techniques may not require a significant investment, but they need to be used through proper inspection. It is recommended to try these techniques before it’s too late and seek help from Tesla service center if needed. Tesla service centers can be expensive, with costs ranging from $13k to $20k, but they can provide the necessary expertise and support to fix the issue. By following these tips and getting professional help when needed, you can ensure that your Tesla charges to 100 percent and performs optimally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harmful to charge a Tesla to 100% on a regular basis?

Charging a Tesla to 100% on a frequent basis can have a negative impact on the battery’s lifespan. The battery is subjected to additional stress when charging to its maximum capacity, which can lead to a shorter battery life. However, Tesla batteries are designed to handle frequent charging and discharging, so occasional charging to full capacity is not a problem.

Why is a Tesla stopping its charge before reaching the set limit?

There could be several reasons why a Tesla is stopping its charge before reaching the set limit. One possible reason is that the battery temperature is too high or too low. Another reason could be that the charging equipment is not functioning correctly. It is also possible that the charging limit has been set lower than the desired limit.

How frequently should a Tesla be charged to full capacity?

It is not necessary to charge a Tesla to full capacity on a regular basis. In fact, it is recommended to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% to prolong its lifespan. Charging to full capacity should be done only when necessary, such as before a long trip.

What could be causing a Tesla to only charge up to 99%?

A Tesla may stop charging at 99% due to a safety feature that prevents overcharging. Charging to 100% can cause additional stress on the battery, which can lead to a shorter lifespan. It is recommended to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% to prolong its lifespan.

Can a Tesla be charged to full capacity before a long trip without damaging the battery?

Charging a Tesla to full capacity before a long trip is not harmful to the battery. However, it is recommended to keep the battery charged between 20% and 80% on a regular basis to prolong its lifespan. Charging to full capacity should be done only when necessary, such as before a long trip.

What should be done if a Tesla won’t charge past a certain percentage, like 50%?

If a Tesla won’t charge past a certain percentage, it may be due to a software issue or a problem with the charging equipment. It is recommended to contact Tesla support for assistance in diagnosing and resolving the issue.