If you own a Tesla Model 3 that was manufactured before 2022, you may have noticed that your vehicle may not have CCS support from the factory. CCS, or Combined Charging System, is a charging standard that allows for faster charging times and more compatibility with non-Tesla charging stations. However, the good news is that you can change out your charger ECU to add CCS support to your vehicle. In this blog post, we’ll go over the steps involved in changing out the charger ECU on a Tesla Model 3.

Before we get started, it’s important to note that this is a fairly advanced DIY project that involves working with high voltage components. If you’re not comfortable with this type of work, we recommend seeking the help of a professional. By following this guide, we do not take responsibility for any damage occurred to your vehicle. That said, it takes less than an hour to perform this upgrade for anyone handy at wrenching on cars.

Step #1: Verify your vehicle’s charger status, and gather parts & tools

To start, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and parts. You’ll need a 10mm wrench, or ratcheting socket and a plastic pry tool. You’ll also need a new charger ECU that’s compatible with your vehicle. You may also need “a bundle of wires”… This product is intended for Tesla Model 3/Y with CCS support NOT INSTALLED.

• “A bundle of wires” (link here) – If your car is before October 2020
• The new charger ECU – part number 1537264-00-B ASY. CHARGE PORT CONTROLLER GEN 4, NA
  • If you’re not near a Tesla service center, start a request through the Tesla app and ask to order a part without visiting the service center. You’ll have to have a matching vehicle VIN for them to order it.
• The CCS Combo 1 Adapter (direct from Tesla – but you can’t order until after completing this upgrade and potentially after a software upgrade occurs) or from Lectron if you’re impatient and want to spend less

Step #2: Remove Charge Port (Model 3)

(note in the video above they mention fully powering down the vehicle and disconnecting the HV battery plug, but Tesla’s service manual does not mention these steps)

• Open all the doors and lower all the windows.
• Open the rear trunk.
• Move the driver seat and front passenger seat fully forward.

Remove the trunk garnish.

Remove the trunk floor trim.

Remove the trunk sill trim panel.

Release the push clips (x3) that attach the rear of the LH trunk side trim to the vehicle.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the puddle lamp.

Release the LH trunk side trim from the trunk carpet, pull the trim back to gain access to the charge port ECU, and then tuck the carpet under the trim.

Disconnect the 3 electrical connectors from the charge port ECU.

Remove the bolt that attaches the charge port ECU to the body.

Slide the charge port ECU to the right to release the tabs (x2) that attach the ECU to the body, and then remove the ECU from the vehicle.

Step #3: Install Gen 4 Charge Port

Installation procedure is the reverse of removal, except for the following:

• Reinstall the vehicle firmware.
  • Once the new ECU is installed, immediately start the software reinstall, as delays might cause excessive 12V/LV battery drain.

Firmware Reinstall (Lead Acid Battery)

1. Connect a 12V support charger to make sure power is not lost during the firmware reinstall.
2. Enable Service Mode by holding a touch over the vehicle model in software menu until a box pops up. Then type service
3. Unlock the vehicle gateway by holding the turn signal up, plus foot on brake and key card in center console
4. On the vehicle touchscreen, touch Software Reinstall.
5. Touch REQUEST or REINSTALL.
6. NOTE: If the touchscreen does not go blank or indicate that a firmware reinstall is in progress, go to the vehicle touchscreen and touch the Software tab, and then touch SOFTWARE UPDATE > INSTALL NOW. If a countdown timer appears, tap the timer until the clock reaches “0”.
7. Verify that the firmware reinstallation was successful and that release notes are displayed.
8. If the reinstallation failed, repeat from step 4.
9. If the reinstallation succeeded, and the reinstallation was performed as one step of another service procedure, return to that procedure.
10. If the reinstallation succeeded, and the reinstallation was performed as a stand-alone procedure, continue to the next step.
11. Disable Service Mode. See Service Mode.
12. Disconnect the 12V support charger.
13. Install the rear underhood apron.

Step #4: Find an Electrify America V3 Station

Tips for a pain-free charging session:

• Download Electrify America’s app (iOS / Android)
• Create your account and login
• Load $10 onto the EA app
• Plug Tesla CCS adapter into the CCS cable
• Plug cable into Tesla

Adding CCS support to your Tesla Model 3 or Model Y can greatly increase your charging options and make long road trips much easier. With the right tools and some basic DIY skills, you can change out the charger ECU yourself and enjoy the benefits of CCS charging.