Charge cable locked. Could not remove. Model 3

[pmifsud]

I am not sure if this has happed to anyone. It was about -5 C. My model 3 has completed its charge cycle. I am ready to leave. My car is unlocked. I press the button on the charge cable, I can hear the cable lock mechanism click trying to unlock but it does not and I was unable to remove the cable. I tried to unlock using the phone up, the clicking sound continued. There were messages on screen saying it may be frozen or there is a malfunction. I took a hair dryer to the charge port for about 5 minutes and then it finally unlocked. Has this happened to folks. What to do if this happens again and I do not have a hair dryer close by. Is this a problem that I should report or bad design? Im 3 weeks into owning my Model 3 and appreciate any advise that comes my way.

 

[Dre78]

There was a software update to address frozen charge port, what version are you running?

 

[pmifsud]

There was a software update to address frozen charge port, what version are you running?

2018.50.6 4ec03ed

 

[swaltner]

There is a manual release cable tucked inside the liner in the trunk. This could be used in a similar situation. I wouldn’t pull “too hard” on the cable, whatever that means.

 

[ewoodrick]

There are a number of threads on the issue. There's an emergency release in the trunk.

 

[duanra]

Yes it happens to a lot of us. I carry a hair blower with me. And i just asked for the charge port to be changed. A new model does exist although some employees answering the phone don't know.
I was just talking to the guy who does the mobile service.

 

[Bobbo8]

I had frozen charge port issues on the road that took hours to resolve. I posted on TMC and in 10 minutes someone came back with a great resolution. He unfroze his port with hand warmers either in the port or around the charge cable as needed. In winter especially on the road I will be carrying “hand warmers’ just ion case.

 

[Snow Drift]

Did you try holding down the button on the charge cable? I find that pressing it once unlocks for a second, then locks. If you press + hold the cable comes right out.