Troubleshooting Common Tesla Issues: A Tesla Owner's Guide

Key Takeaway

Tesla vehicles, while revolutionary in their technology and performance, can experience various issues ranging from touchscreen malfunctions and battery degradation to autopilot glitches and door handle problems. This comprehensive guide provides Australian Tesla owners with practical troubleshooting steps for the most common problems, helping you resolve issues quickly and know when professional service is needed. By understanding these common challenges and their solutions, you can maintain your Tesla's optimal performance and enhance your ownership experience with the right accessories from My Tesla Accessories.

Introduction

As a Tesla owner in Australia, you're part of an exclusive community driving some of the most advanced electric vehicles on the road. However, even these cutting-edge machines can experience technical hiccups. Whether you're cruising through Sydney's bustling streets or tackling the vast Australian outback, knowing how to troubleshoot common Tesla issues can save you time, money, and frustration.

This comprehensive guide covers the most frequent problems Tesla owners face, from the infamous touchscreen freezes to mysterious phantom braking incidents. We'll walk you through practical solutions you can try yourself before heading to a service centre, and we'll help you recognise when professional assistance is necessary.

Tesla Touchscreen Issues: Black Screens and Freezing

The Problem

One of the most alarming issues for Tesla owners is when the central touchscreen goes black or becomes unresponsive. Since this screen controls nearly everything in your Tesla – from climate control to navigation – a malfunction can feel catastrophic. The car status display, safety warnings, backup camera, etc. will not be visible during the restart.

Common Symptoms

• Touchscreen completely black or frozen

• Unresponsive to touch inputs

• Slow performance or lag

• Random reboots or crashes

• Display artifacts or glitches

Troubleshooting Steps

Soft Reset (While Driving or Parked)

The simplest solution is often the most effective:

1. Hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns black.

2. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the touchscreen to restart.

3. The Tesla logo will appear, indicating the system is rebooting

Note: This process only restarts the infotainment system and won't affect critical driving functions, though you won't be able to see your speed or hear turn signals during the restart.

Full Vehicle Reset (Power Cycling)

If a soft reset doesn't work:

1. Shift into Park.

2. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Safety > Power Off.

3. Wait for at least two minutes without interacting with the vehicle.

4. Press the brake pedal to wake the vehicle

Hard Reset (Last Resort)

For persistent issues on older Model S and X:

• Press and hold the brake pedal, both scroll wheels, and both steering wheel buttons simultaneously until the touchscreen turns on

Prevention Tips

• Keep your software updated to the latest version

• Restrict Background Processes: Reduce the quantity of running background applications and applications on the touchscreen in order to free up system resources.

• Avoid extreme temperatures by parking in shaded areas when possible

Consider investing in a Tesla-compatible phone holder as a backup navigation solution if your main screen experiences issues.

Battery Degradation and Range Loss

The Problem

Battery degradation is a natural process in all electric vehicles, but unexpected range loss can be concerning. According to Tesla's 2023 Impact Report, the average battery capacity loss of the Model 3 and Model Y Long Range versions after 200,000 miles is 15%.

Understanding Normal vs Abnormal Degradation

Normal Degradation Patterns:

• A car loses around 1% of range a year for the first 7 years or so, but then the rates increases.

• Initial drop of 5% in the first few months is common

• By seven years old the average Tesla battery still provides around 93% of its original capacity and range.

Abnormal Signs:

• Sudden significant range drops (more than 10% quickly)

• Range decreasing rapidly with low mileage

• Inconsistent range estimates

Troubleshooting Battery Issues

Check Your Battery Health

To test your vehicle's battery health, you can navigate to Controls > Service, and then scroll down and select Battery Health. The test requires:

• Vehicle plugged into a Wall Connector or Mobile Connector

• Up to 18 hours to complete

• At least 5 kW of power (roughly 20 amps at 240v)

Recalibrate Your Battery Management System (BMS)

If experiencing sudden range loss:

1. Just drive until you're down into the single-digit percentage range, let it sit for an hour while pinging periodically with the app or the door handle to keep it awake

2. Charge it up to 100% and do the same thing, then be sure to drive it immediately.

3. Some owners need to repeat this process twice for full recalibration

Best Practices for Battery Health

• Don't regularly charge the car to 100%.

• Don't let the state of charge drop to lower than 10% on a regular basis.

• Protect the battery pack from high temperatures.

• Maintain charge between 20% and 80% for daily use

• Use a quality charging adapter for reliable charging sessions

Autopilot and Phantom Braking Issues

The Problem

Phantom braking is when a Tesla on Autopilot engages the brakes even though there is nothing on the road ahead. This can be jarring for passengers and potentially dangerous for following vehicles.

Common Triggers

• white semi-truck, for some reason it wants to do it. And if it's a very bright day and I'm going through an overpass and the shadow being cast

• Merging vehicles from on-ramps

• Overhead signs or bridges

• Flashing yellow warning lights

• Poor visibility conditions

Immediate Solutions

While Driving:

• A driver can immediately override phantom braking by pressing the brake or accelerator.

• Be prepared to tap the accelerator when approaching known problem areas

• Maintain increased following distance when using Autopilot

Camera Calibration:

Recalibrating the cameras in your Tesla may fix a number of things, including phantom braking, inability to properly detect surrounding objects, Autopilot faults, and various error messages.

To recalibrate:

1. Drive on clearly marked lanes for 20-100 miles

2. Look for the blue calibration ring around the Autopilot icon

3. Although it may take up to 100 miles of driving to calibrate your cameras, it's usually much quicker.

Prevention Strategies

• Keep cameras clean and unobstructed

• Avoid aftermarket accessories that might interfere with sensors

• When autopilot and cruise are turned off, there should be no phantom braking.

Door Handle Malfunctions

The Problem

Tesla's flush door handles, particularly on the Model S, are sleek but prone to failure. Tesla have performed numberous updates to the door handle design and there have been some improvements, however it seems to be a recurring problem for some owners

Common Issues

• Handle caught In or Out: When trying to open or close the door, the door handle may become caught in either position

• Handle not presenting when approaching

• Grinding or clicking noises

• Handle stuck in extended position

DIY Troubleshooting

Software Reset:

1. Hold down both steering wheel scroll buttons until the touchscreen switches off and back on.

2. Check if the door handle responds after the reset

Manual Override:

For immediate access when handle won't present:

• Either the handle is catching on the wiring loom which has moved within the door handle. This can potentially be fixed just by securing the loom back in place

• Use the key card against the B-pillar to unlock

• You can pop out the handle using a card and then put a piece of string behind the handle and let it close. You can use the string to open and close.

Temperature-Related Issues:

In cold weather:

• Pre-heat your Tesla using the mobile app

• Use a hairdryer (carefully) to warm frozen handles

• Apply silicone lubricant to prevent freezing

Long-term Solutions

Consider upgrading to aftermarket solutions like Self Presenting LED Handles that offer improved reliability and visibility.

Navigation System Problems

The Problem

Tesla owners can experience a variety of navigational failures, including software errors or outages of GPS signals, it can manifest as faulty route planning, inaccurate map displays, or even complete unresponsiveness of the system.

Common Navigation Issues

• GPS signal loss

• Incorrect route calculations

• Map display freezing

• Navigation not responding to touch

Quick Fixes

Immediate Solutions:

1. try rebooting the touchscreen by holding both steering wheel buttons until the screen resets.

2. Check your internet connectivity settings

3. Ensure your software is up to date

Alternative Navigation:

Keep a backup navigation solution ready with a quality phone holder mounted to your air vents for easy visibility.

Preventive Maintenance

• Tesla recommends an annual maintenance inspection. For owners with higher mileage or frequent navigation problems, it may be more appropriate to increase the frequency of inspection.

• Clear cache regularly through the settings menu

• Ensure strong cellular or WiFi connection for map updates

Charging Problems

The Problem

Charging issues can range from slow charging speeds to complete inability to charge. Charging speed has been reduced because the onboard charger in your vehicle has detected a large voltage drop during charging.

Common Charging Issues

Reduced Charging Speed:

Causes include:

• Problems with the building wiring and/or the wall outlet. An extension cord or other wiring that cannot support the requested charge current.

• Overheating charging equipment

• Software limiting charging due to battery temperature

Complete Charging Failure:

• The vehicle cannot charge because the ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in the Mobile Connector has tripped.

• Damaged charging port

• Faulty charging cable

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Physical Connections:

• Inspect the charge port and the charge handle for pooled water or unusual levels of moisture.

• Ensure charging cable is properly seated

• Look for debris in the charge port

2. Try Alternative Charging Methods:

• Use a different charging location

• Try a Supercharger to rule out home charging issues

• Use a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter if needed

3. Reset Charging System:

• Unplug the vehicle

• Wait 10 seconds

• Reconnect and retry

When to Seek Help

• If this issue has occurred multiple times at your normal charging location, contact an electrician to inspect the electrical installation.

• Persistent charging failures require Tesla service intervention

Suspension Issues

The Problem

Some Tesla models experience suspension problems, such as creaking noises caused by bushing wear in the upper forelinks. These noises are often noticed during slow movements, like parking.

Warning Signs

• Unusual noises when turning or going over bumps

• Uneven tire wear

• Vehicle pulling to one side

• "whompy wheels," a term describing wheel collapses caused by faulty suspension components

Maintenance Tips

• Schedule regular suspension inspections if you notice unusual noises or handling changes. Rotate tires and check wheel alignment periodically to reduce stress on suspension components.

• Avoid driving over rough terrain consistently, as it accelerates wear on suspension systems.

• Listen for early warning signs like creaking or clunking

Additional Tips for Tesla Owners

Protect Your Investment

Beyond troubleshooting issues, protecting your Tesla from damage is crucial:

• Use a quality Tesla car cover to protect from sun damage and debris

• Install floor mats to preserve your interior

• Consider pet seat covers if you travel with furry friends

Stay Prepared

Keep essential accessories in your Tesla:

• Charging adapters for various outlet types

• Mobile phone holder for backup navigation

• Basic cleaning supplies for sensors and cameras

Regular Maintenance

While Teslas require less maintenance than traditional vehicles:

• Keep software updated

• Clean cameras and sensors regularly

• Check tire pressure monthly

• Rotate tires according to Tesla's recommendations

When to Contact Tesla Service

While many issues can be resolved with DIY troubleshooting, certain problems require professional attention:

Immediate Service Needed:

• Safety-related warnings or errors

• If you receive a result that's 70% or less and are within the warranty period, you should reach out to Tesla for a replacement.

• Persistent charging failures

• Structural issues like suspension problems

Schedule Service For:

• Door handle replacements (if out of warranty)

• Battery health below 70% (under warranty)

• Recurring phantom braking after calibration attempts

• Any issue that persists after troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I reboot my Tesla's touchscreen?

A: Only when experiencing issues. Regular reboots aren't necessary for normal operation.

Q: Is 10% battery degradation after 3 years normal?

A: Yes, this falls within the normal range. For NCM Teslas, it's normal for them to lose roughly 5% in the first year, then 1% per year after that until a maximum of about 10% loss.

Q: Can I prevent door handle failures?

A: Regular cleaning and lubrication help, but consider upgrading to more reliable aftermarket options like LED handles.

Q: Why does my Tesla phantom brake in the same locations?

A: Certain road features consistently trigger the system. Be prepared to override with the accelerator in known problem areas.

Q: Should I charge my LFP battery to 100% daily?

A: They don't "prefer" to be charged to 100%. They just tolerate it better. They should be charged to 100% often to calibrate the BMS

Conclusion

While Tesla vehicles represent the pinnacle of electric vehicle technology, they're not immune to technical issues. Understanding these common problems and their solutions empowers you to maintain your Tesla's performance and resolve minor issues quickly. From simple touchscreen reboots to battery recalibration, many problems can be solved without a service visit.

Remember, regular maintenance and the right accessories can prevent many issues before they start. Whether you're protecting your interior with quality floor mats, ensuring reliable charging with proper adapters, or upgrading problematic components like door handles, investing in quality Tesla accessories enhances your ownership experience.

For persistent or safety-related issues, never hesitate to contact Tesla service. Your safety and your vehicle's longevity are paramount. By combining DIY troubleshooting knowledge with professional service when needed, you'll enjoy many years of exceptional Tesla ownership.