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Home/Cars/Tesla/Model S/Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)/why does my Tesla Model S have a rough idle when cold starting

why does my Tesla Model S have a rough idle when cold starting

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
453 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix rough idle during cold starts in Tesla Model S. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Component
Electrical
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow the vehicle to cool before inspecting components.

Symptoms

  • •Rough idle when starting from a cold state
  • •Increased noise from the electric motor
  • •Unusual vibrations felt in the cabin
  • •Decreased acceleration response
  • •Possible warning messages on the dashboard

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Check the battery state of charge using the vehicle's interface.
  2. 2Inspect the battery temperature via the diagnostic menu.
  3. 3Run a full diagnostic scan for any error codes related to the powertrain or battery management system.
  4. 4Verify the condition of the battery cells and modules through a battery health report.
  5. 5Check for any software updates that may address performance issues.
  6. 6Inspect the motor mounts for wear or damage that could contribute to vibrations.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
  • Connect the vehicle to a charger to maintain battery levels during diagnostics.
  • Gather necessary tools such as a diagnostic scanner and a multimeter.

2. Update Software

  • Access the vehicle's settings through the touchscreen.
  • Navigate to the software update section and check for available updates.
  • If updates are present, follow the prompts to install them.
  • Restart the vehicle after the update is complete.

3. Battery Conditioning

  • Precondition the battery by setting the vehicle to warm up before driving in colder temperatures.
  • Use the mobile app to initiate battery preconditioning while plugged in.
  • Ensure the vehicle is set to charge during off-peak hours to maximize battery health.

4. Inspect and Replace Components (if necessary)

  • If diagnostics reveal issues with battery cells, inspect individual modules for damage or degradation.
  • Replace any faulty battery modules, ensuring to follow the manufacturer's torque specifications and safety protocols.
  • Check and replace any worn motor mounts if they are contributing to the rough idle and vibrations.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Diagnostic scanner
  • Multimeter

Parts Required

  • Replacement battery modules (if found defective)
  • Motor mounts (if worn)

Additional Information

Component

Electrical

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

2 items

Parts

2 items

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