Tesla Model 3 Center Console USB Upgrade Procedure

In early 2020, after the Model Y started shipping with USB-C charging ports, Tesla started shipping Model 3’s with the upgraded parts.

A pre-upgrade Model 3 has a hub with two USB-A ports in the console, and two USB-A ports below the rear vent. A post-upgrade Model 3 has 1 USB-A port, and 1 USB-C port in the console, and two USB-C charging ports below the rear vent.

And the best part is that if you own a Model 3 with only USB-A ports, you can upgrade it! There is a hitch though. When they changed the charging ports, they changed the connector on the harness. That means you cannot just remove the old part, and install the new part. 

Luckily, I make and sell adapters that allow you to use the new parts. Check out my Etsy store MrRobertsScience where you can order adapters for quick shipping.

How do you do the upgrade? Check out the directions below

Rear Vent Upgrade Procedure

Parts Needed:

• M3, CONSOLE, REAR AIR VENT PAN ASY, PREM
  Part #: 1111072-00-E
  I live near a Service Center and to order my part, I just dropped by, waited for a service advisor, and gave them the part numbers I needed. They placed the order, and a couple weeks later I had my parts! If don’t live near a service center, Rangers (The mobile Tesla technicians) may be able to drop parts off or meet you near their scheduled route. If you are unable to get ahold of the parts, message me via my Etsy store. I can always pick them up and ship them, but I would need your VIN to order them.
• Model 3 USB Upgrade Adapter

Estimated upgrade time: 3 minutes

Procedure:

1. Grab the rear vent, and pull backwards
    
2. Disconnect the electrical harness
3. Attach an adapter to the electrical harness
4. Attach the adapter to the new Rear Vent Assembly
5. Push the rear vent assembly back onto the console.

And you’re done!

Front Hub Upgrade Procedure

Parts Needed:

• MY USB HUB FRONT
  Part #: 1522264-00-B
  Yes, it’s called the Model Y USB HUB FRONT. It’s also listed in the Model 3 Electronics Parts Catalog.
  I live near a Service Center and to order my part, I just dropped by, waited for a service advisor, and gave them the part numbers I needed. They placed the order, and a couple weeks later I had my parts! If don’t live near a service center, Rangers (The mobile Tesla technicians) may be able to drop parts off or meet you near their scheduled route. If you are unable to get ahold of the parts, message me via my Etsy store. I can always pick them up and ship them, but I would need your VIN to order them.
• Model 3 USB Upgrade Adapter

Tools Needed: 

• 10mm socket

Estimated Upgrade Time: 30 minutes

Procedure:

1. Remove rear seat lower cushion
   1. There are tabs under the LH and RH rear seats. Press those tabs towards the LH side of the vehicle, and lift the front edge of the seat cushion
2. Remove rear underhood apron (the one that covers the 12V battery
3. Remove driver and passenger floormats
4. Remove LH side console side panel carpet:
   1. Release the clips and tabs that attach the center console side panel carpet  to the center console. Release the rearmost clips first and work towards the front of the vehicle
      Transfer any clips that remain in the car back onto the carpet. 
5. Remove 2 bolts
6. Remove RH side console side panel carpet
7. Remove 2 bolts
8. Disconnect the electrical connector that is located on the RH front of the center console. 
9. Lift up the phone tray
10. Remove the bolts that attach the front of the center console to the car.
11. Remove the center console rear lower panel
    1. Hint: It just pulls straight back
12. Remove two bolts
13. IMPORTANT – VEHICLE SHUTDOWN
    1. Have all four doors and the frunk open. 
    2. On the touchscreen, select Control > Safety and Security > Vehicle Power > Power off to  turn off the vehicle
    3. Disconnect the power connector under the RH rear seat
    4. Disconnect the 12V battery
14. Disconnect the electrical connector from the rear of the center console. 
15. Lift the console, and pull it towards the rear.
16. Unscrew the old USB hub, and disconnect the USB and power cables
17. Plug the harness into the adapter, and the adapter into the new USB hub.
18. Attach the usb cable
19. Screw the new usb hub into the console.
20. Follow directions in reverse to re-assemble the center console.