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Tesla Service

Tesla does not have a service center on the Big Island. Most service calls are done via Rangers – Tesla service technicians who drive to your location to conduct maintenance and repair service. The Big Island has an on-island service technician.

All of our service requests to date have been handled in our garage. In some instances, the Ranger may drive the car to an alignment/tire shop (we had this done for a tire pressure sensor replacement). In others, a vendor may be called (they called a mobile repair tech to remove a small dent that we noticed when we took delivery of our Model X). Some of our past services include A/C inspection, 12v battery replacement, door rattle repair, door latch inspection, and door trim and door alignment.

Larger repairs, e.g., motor or main battery pack repair, will require that the car be shipped to Oahu. If this is required, Tesla Service will organize the shipping with Young Brothers. You will need to take your car to the pier where Young Brothers will strap down the car to a pallet. For warranty-covered repairs, Tesla will provide rental through a local company (yes – you’ll have to learn how to drive an ancient ICE car for the duration of the repair).

Note that with fewer and less complex components (compared to ICE vehicles), Teslas (EVs in general) have low maintenance requirements. Also, Teslas are subject to over-the-air (OTA) software updates – many fixes and enhancements can be sent wirelessly to your car.

Hawaii Service appointments can be made by calling (808) 680-9260. Tesla also offers roadside assistance – the toll-free number is (877) 798-3752.

Tip: You can report an issue while in your car by pressing the voice command button and saying “Bug Report”.  You’ll be able to record a short description. Importantly, Tesla will flag the car’s logs for specific information that can be used for troubleshooting.

Charging your Tesla

Home Charging

You can use the mobile connector that is provided with each Tesla to charge your car – it can be plugged into 110 or 240v outlets. (110v can work but will take forever.) A 240v (Level 2) charging system in your garage or carport is ideal. At a minimum, you’ll need access to a 240v outlet (something that an electric dryer uses) in the parking area. If you don’t already have one installed, you’ll have to work with an electrician.

For maximum convenience, you can purchase a wall connector. This works the same as the mobile version but is hard-wired and mounted to a wall. You can purchase the wall connectors from Tesla.com as well as marketplaces like eBay.com. The connectors come with 8ft or 20ft cables. (We recommend the connector with the 20ft cable for maximum convenience.) The connector should be installed by an electrician.

Before installing a wall connector or a new 240v outlet, take note of your parking situation. The charge ports on Tesla vehicles are located on the driver side by the tail light. This might influence where you park your car, or where the charger (or outlet) is installed.

Public Charging

While your Tesla will rarely need to be charged while out and about, you may sometimes need to plug into a public charging station. Your Tesla includes a “J1772” adapter that can allow it to use the Level 2 stations that are available across the island. This adapter attaches to the charger plug and it is inserted into the Tesla charge port.

For maximum charge, you can purchase a CHAdeMO adapter from Tesla.com or from marketplaces like eBay.com. This adapter will allow you to use the Fast Chargers. These chargers offer a much higher charge rate over Level 2s so you can find yourself back on the road in little time. This is a highly recommended purchase, especially if you expect to make frequent cross-island trips. Check out our article on the use of Fast Chargers.

If you’d like to test this adapter before purchasing or would like to borrow one for a trip to Kona, let me know. – Noel

Tips:

  • Get the PlugShare, Shell Recharge (fka Greenlots), SemaConnect, and ChargePoint apps. These will allow you to access a number of public chargers on the island. They will allow visibility to the status and availability of the stations. With PlugShare, you’ll also be able to provide feedback on the stations. Providing feedback on our experiences helps us maintain the chargers – reports allow operators to understand issues with their stations.
  • PlugShare allows you to see all available chargers, including private ones that owners are offering to others.
  • Sign up for accounts at these companies too.
    • A PlugShare account allows you to provide feedback on stations, and allow you to report new ones.
    • Greenlots, SemaConnect, and ChargePoint accounts will allow you to pre-pay for charging or to put a credit card on file. You’ll also be able to request a ‘smart’ (RFID) card that can speed up access to their stations. The card will allow you to quickly initiate a charge without the app or having to call the service provider.
  • Pay attention to the public charger that you intend to use. Level 2 charging stations are generally with the J1772 plug. Your Tesla comes with an adapter that you’ll need to insert into the charger’s plug before you can use these chargers. Keep the adapter (and the mobile charger kit) in your car at all times so that you’ll be ready.