Adjusting the trunk on your Tesla Model Y can enhance both functionality and convenience. Whether you need to fine-tune the trunk’s opening height or address alignment issues, understanding how to make these adjustments can improve your overall driving experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to adjust the trunk on your Tesla Model Y.
How to Adjust Tesla Model Y Trunk
The Tesla Model Y offers several adjustment options for its trunk (liftgate) to enhance usability and customize your experience. These adjustments include setting the maximum opening height to prevent collisions with low ceilings and fixing alignment issues. This guide provides detailed instructions on various trunk adjustment procedures that work across most Tesla models but are specifically verified for the Model Y.
Adjusting Trunk Opening Height
One of the most practical features of the Tesla Model Y is the ability to customize how high the powered liftgate opens, which is particularly useful for owners with low garage ceilings or other overhead obstacles.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1.Ensure your Model Y is in Park before attempting any trunk adjustments.
2.Open the trunk using one of these methods:
- Touch the trunk button on the touchscreen display
- Double-click the rear trunk button on the key fob
- Touch the rear trunk button in the Tesla mobile app
- Press the switch located under the liftgate's exterior handle (a valid key must be detected)
3.Once the trunk is fully open, manually adjust the liftgate to your desired height by gently pushing it down to the position where you want it to stop in the future.
4.Locate the button on the underside of the liftgate (the same button used to close the trunk).
5.Press and hold this button for approximately three seconds until you hear a confirmation chime. This sound indicates that the system has registered your preferred height setting.
6.To confirm the new height has been properly set, close the trunk completely and then reopen it. The trunk should now automatically stop at your newly configured height.
Important Considerations
When adjusting the trunk height, avoid moving it too quickly or forcefully as this could potentially damage the mechanism, especially in extreme weather conditions. The adjustment works by programming the vehicle to remember your preferred setting, and the process can be repeated whenever you wish to change the opening height.
Some Tesla owners report that this feature is particularly helpful when parking in garages with limited overhead clearance, as it prevents accidental contact between the trunk and the ceiling
Fixing Trunk Alignment Issues
If you notice uneven panel gaps or alignment issues with your Model Y trunk, there are several adjustments you can make to improve the appearance and functionality.
Panel Gap Adjustment
Many Model Y owners have reported panel gap inconsistencies that can be fixed with some simple adjustments:
- Open the trunk to access the hinge bolts that secure the trunk to the vehicle body.
- Locate the bolts securing the hinges to the trunk assembly. These are typically 13mm bolts that require 24 Nm of torque when tightened.
- Loosen (but don't completely remove) the hinge bolts to allow for adjustment of the trunk position.
- Carefully adjust the trunk position to achieve even panel gaps around all sides. This may require assistance from another person to hold the trunk in the correct position while you make adjustments.
- Once satisfied with the alignment, tighten the bolts to secure the trunk in the adjusted position.
- Close the trunk and visually inspect the gaps to ensure they're even all around. If necessary, repeat the adjustment process until you achieve the desired result.
Latch Mechanism Troubleshooting
If you're experiencing issues with the trunk not staying open or not closing properly, the latch mechanism may need adjustment:
- For trunks that open slightly but then reseat to the closed position, check if the latch on the body of the car is loose. The latch should have some play but only within its intended range of motion.
- For proper latch alignment, you can adjust the trunk striker:
- Mark the current location of the trunk striker before removing it
- Remove the trunk striker (typically using T45 bolts)
- Realign the striker and loosely reinstall the bolts
- Close the trunk to check alignment and make final adjustments before fully tightening the bolts
Adjusting Overslam Bumpers
The overslam bumpers affect how the trunk sits when closed and can be adjusted to improve alignment:
- Locate the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) overslam bumpers on the trunk.
- Turn the bumpers clockwise until they are fully seated onto the trunk structure.
- These bumpers can be fine-tuned to ensure the trunk sits flush with the surrounding body panels when closed.
Additional Trunk Features and Operations
The Tesla Model Y trunk includes several other features worth noting:
Multiple Opening Methods
- The Model Y provides various ways to open the trunk for convenience:
- Through the touchscreen interface
- Using the key fob (double-click the trunk button)
- Via the mobile app
- Using the exterior handle switch when a key is detected nearby
Safety Features
The liftgate includes safety features to prevent accidents:
- If the liftgate detects an obstruction while closing, it automatically stops moving and chimes twice to alert you
- The system requires you to remove the obstruction before attempting to close it again
Cargo Management
Some Model Y vehicles come equipped with a parcel shelf that covers the cargo area, which can be folded or removed to access the full trunk space or to conceal valuables.
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Adjusting your Tesla Model Y trunk is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your ownership experience. Setting the maximum opening height helps prevent damage in locations with overhead obstacles, while alignment adjustments ensure your vehicle maintains its sleek appearance and proper functionality.
For persistent issues that you cannot resolve through these adjustments, contacting Tesla Service for professional assistance is recommended. While minor adjustments can be done at home, more complex alignment issues might require specialized tools and expertise.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can customize your Tesla Model Y trunk operation to suit your specific needs and circumstances, ensuring optimal functionality and preventing potential damage.
