Do you often find yourself in a tight spot, literally, when opening your Tesla's trunk in a low-ceiling garage? Or perhaps you wish the trunk opened just a little higher for easier loading and unloading? Good news! Tesla's powered trunks are designed with adjustable opening heights, allowing you to customize this setting for convenience and to prevent accidental bumps.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps to set your Tesla's trunk height, ensuring a perfect fit for your garage, carport, or even just your personal preference. Let's get started!
Step 1: Prepare for Adjustment – Get Your Tesla Ready!
Before you begin, it's crucial to ensure your Tesla is in the right state for this adjustment. Think of it like setting the stage for a perfect performance!
Safety First! ⚠️
It's paramount to be aware of your surroundings. Ensure there are no people, pets, or objects in the path of the trunk's movement. While Tesla's liftgates have obstruction detection, it's always best to proactively monitor the movement to avoid any mishaps.
Park Your Tesla ️
Make sure your Tesla is in Park (P). The trunk height adjustment feature is typically only accessible when the vehicle is stationary and in Park.
Unlock Your Vehicle
Your Tesla needs to be unlocked or detect a valid key (phone key, key fob, or key card) for you to be able to operate the trunk and set its height.
Step 2: Open the Trunk and Set the Desired Height
Now that your Tesla is ready, let's get the trunk into position!
Method 1: Open the Trunk
There are several ways to open your Tesla's rear trunk (or liftgate, as it's often called):
Touchscreen: On your Tesla's large center touchscreen, navigate to Controls > Trunk and touch the associated "Open" button.
Key Fob: Double-click the rear trunk button on your Tesla key fob.
Mobile App: Open the Tesla mobile app on your smartphone and touch the rear trunk button.
Exterior Handle Switch: Press the switch located under the liftgate's exterior handle. Remember, a valid key must be detected for this to work.
Method 2: Manually Adjust to Your Preferred Height
Once the trunk is open, it's time for the hands-on part!
For Lower Ceilings: Gently but firmly pull down the liftgate to the desired maximum opening height. Imagine where you want it to stop so it doesn't hit your garage ceiling or any overhead obstacles.
For Higher Access: If you simply want it to open to a more convenient height for you, you can also gently push it up. Tesla liftgates can open quite high, sometimes up to 2.3 to 2.5 meters (approximately 7.5 to 8 feet) depending on the model and configuration.
Take your time with this step. Visually assess the height to ensure it's exactly where you want it to be.
Step 3: Save Your New Trunk Height Setting
This is the crucial step where your Tesla learns and remembers your preference!
Locate the Trunk Button
On the underside of the liftgate itself, you'll find a button used for closing the trunk. This is the button we'll use to save the height.
Press and Hold for Confirmation
With the trunk held at your desired height, press and hold this button for approximately three seconds. You should hear a distinct confirmation chime (a beep or a series of beeps). This sound signifies that the system has successfully registered your preferred height setting.
Touchscreen Prompt (Optional) ️
In some Tesla software versions, particularly newer ones, you might also see a prompt on the touchscreen asking you to confirm or save the height for the current location. Follow any on-screen prompts if they appear. Tesla has also introduced a feature that allows you to save trunk height based on your location, similar to how mirrors can fold automatically at a saved location.
Step 4: Test and Confirm Your New Setting
The final step is to verify that your new trunk height setting has been successfully applied.
Close and Reopen the Trunk
Close the trunk using one of the usual methods (touchscreen, key fob, or the button on the underside of the liftgate).
Once it's fully closed, reopen it using your preferred method.
Observe the Opening Height
Watch closely as the trunk opens. It should now stop precisely at the height you just set. If it doesn't, simply repeat the steps from Step 2 onwards.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Location-Based Settings: Many newer Tesla models and software updates allow for location-based trunk height settings. This means your trunk can open to a specific height when you're in your garage, but fully open when you're out in the open, which is incredibly convenient! If you have this feature, ensure you are setting the height at the location where you want that specific height to be remembered.
Resetting to Factory Default: If you ever want to revert your trunk's opening height to its original factory default settings, or clear any saved locations, you can usually do so via the touchscreen. Navigate to Controls > Service > Remove Saved Locations.
Troubleshooting: If the trunk isn't adjusting or saving the height correctly, try power cycling your Tesla's touchscreen (hold down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen restarts). If issues persist, it might be worth scheduling a service appointment with Tesla.
Falcon Wing Doors (Model X): For Model X owners, the Falcon Wing Doors have their own calibration process and are generally not adjusted in the same "set height" manner as the rear trunk. Their calibration ensures proper opening and closing and obstacle detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to adjust Tesla Model 3 trunk height?
To adjust the Model 3 trunk height, manually open it to your desired height, then press and hold the button on the underside of the trunk for about three seconds until you hear a confirmation chime.
How to set Tesla Model Y power liftgate height?
For the Model Y, open the liftgate, manually position it to your preferred height, then press and hold the close button located on the underside of the liftgate until you hear a chime.
How to change Tesla Model S trunk opening limit?
Open the Model S trunk, manually adjust it to the new desired maximum height, then press and hold the button on the underside of the trunk until you hear a confirmation sound.
How to reset Tesla trunk height to factory default?
You can usually reset your Tesla trunk opening height to factory defaults by going to Controls > Service > Remove Saved Locations on your touchscreen.
How to use location-based trunk height on Tesla?
To use location-based trunk height, set the desired height while at that specific location (e.g., your garage) by manually adjusting and holding the trunk button. Your Tesla should then remember that height for that GPS location.
How to stop Tesla trunk from hitting the garage door?
Manually lower the trunk to a height that clears your garage door or ceiling, then save this new maximum height by pressing and holding the trunk close button on the liftgate until you hear a chime.
How to program Tesla trunk open height for easy access?
Open your Tesla trunk, manually raise or lower it to a height that is most convenient for you, and then press and hold the trunk close button on the liftgate until it beeps, saving your preferred access height.
How to calibrate Tesla power trunk if it's acting erratically?
If your power trunk is acting erratically, try resetting saved locations via Controls > Service > Remove Saved Locations. If the issue persists, a software reboot (holding both scroll wheels) might help, or consider a service appointment.
How to adjust the speed of Tesla's power trunk?
While some aftermarket power liftgate kits offer speed adjustments, standard Tesla vehicles typically don't allow users to manually adjust the opening and closing speed of the trunk through the touchscreen or button. The speed is pre-set.
How to ensure my Tesla trunk height is saved correctly?
After setting your desired height, close the trunk completely and then reopen it. If it stops at your programmed height, it has been saved correctly. If not, repeat the adjustment steps.
