For Tesla Model 3 owners, especially those with the 2019 model, a common question arises when it comes to vehicle diagnostics: “Where is the OBD2 port?” Unlike traditional gasoline cars, the 2019 Tesla Model 3, along with the Model Y, does not come equipped with a standard OBD2 port in the easily accessible location you might expect. Instead, Tesla utilizes a console connector discreetly positioned in the rear passenger area of the vehicle. To tap into the diagnostic capabilities of your Model 3, you’ll need a specific Tesla OBD2 adapter to bridge this connection to conventional OBD2 tools and devices.
Gaining access to your Tesla Model 3’s diagnostic data requires a couple of essential components. Firstly, you’ll need a diagnostic port cable adapter designed specifically for Tesla vehicles. Secondly, you’ll need an OBD2 tool or device that is compatible with ELM327 or STN1110 chipsets. Popular choices among Tesla owners include OBDLink LX or MX Bluetooth devices, known for their reliability and compatibility. For the crucial diagnostic port cable adapter, we recommend considering the OHP OBD2 Adapter for Tesla Model 3 & Y 2019-2020 Build, engineered for seamless integration with your vehicle.
It’s important to understand that Tesla’s sophisticated security architecture limits the extent of modifications or system “hacking” through the diagnostic port. Connecting an OBD2 tool to your 2019 Tesla Model 3 primarily grants you read-only access to a wealth of live vehicle data. This means you can monitor and display real-time statistics using specialized diagnostic applications, but you cannot alter critical vehicle functions. Two leading apps in the Tesla diagnostic community are the Scan My Tesla app, available for both Android and iOS, and the TM-Spy app, also on Android and iOS. These apps leverage the data accessed via the OBD2 port to provide valuable insights into your Tesla’s performance and health.
With the Scan My Tesla app, owners of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 can monitor a wide array of live data points, including:
- Battery Performance: Power, voltage, current, and temperature readings for a comprehensive view of your battery’s health and efficiency.
- Drive Unit Metrics: Electric power, torque, horsepower, RPM, and temperature monitoring of the drive unit, providing insight into powertrain performance.
- Battery Lifetime Stats: Access to battery lifetime statistics, capacity estimations, and mileage, allowing for long-term battery health tracking.
- 12V System Monitoring: Real-time current, voltage, and temperature of the 12V system, crucial for overall vehicle system stability.
- Trip and Charging Data: Trip recording and statistics, including detailed charging session information for efficient energy management.
- HVAC System Readings: Monitoring and control of HVAC functions and readings, ensuring optimal cabin comfort and system performance.
For a visual demonstration of the Scan My Tesla app in action, Bjørn Nyland, a prominent Tesla enthusiast, provides a helpful live demo video:
Bjørn Nyland Scan My Tesla App Demo
Alternatively, the TM-Spy app offers a different set of detailed diagnostics for your 2019 Tesla Model 3, focusing on granular battery pack information and more:
- Individual Cell Voltage Monitoring: Detailed voltage readings from each of the 84 or 96 individual battery cells (depending on battery size), offering unparalleled insight into battery health.
- Battery Pack Balancing Analysis: Maximum, minimum cell voltages, and delta calculations to assess battery pack balance and identify potential issues.
- Temperature Sensor Data: Readings from 16 pairs of battery pack temperature sensors (inlet/outlet coolant temperatures) for precise thermal management monitoring.
- Comprehensive Battery Pack Data: Total battery voltage and current during driving and charging, providing a complete picture of energy flow.
- Energy and Capacity Insights: Pack capacity and remaining energy displayed in kWh, along with mileage driven on the current battery pack.
- Lifetime Battery Usage: Lifetime battery discharge and charge energy tracked in kWh, giving a long-term perspective on battery utilization.
David Drives Electric showcases the TM-Spy app in a live demo video, highlighting its features and benefits for Tesla owners:
David Drives Electric TM-Spy App Demo
The wealth of diagnostic data accessible through these apps is largely thanks to the dedicated Tesla Model 3 community. Through meticulous research and collaboration, they have identified and documented the CAN bus IDs and data structures within the Tesla Model 3. This invaluable information is publicly available in a community-maintained document:
Tesla Model 3 CAN Bus Data Document
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Tesla Model 3 community for their tireless efforts in unlocking and sharing this diagnostic knowledge. You can explore more discussions and insights from the community at the Tesla Owners Online forum:
Tesla Owners Online Diagnostic Port Discussion
For owners looking to equip their 2019-2020 Tesla Model 3 or Model Y with the necessary OBD2 adapter, the OHP OBD2 Adapter for Tesla Model 3 & Y 2019-2020 Build provides a reliable and recommended solution to start exploring your vehicle’s diagnostic data today.
