why does my Tesla Model S Original (2012-2020) make a whining noise when driving

Tesla Model S Plaid/Refresh (2021-present)

Error Codes

2-4 hours

Time

medium

Difficulty

medium

Severity

3 min read

476 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix whining noise issues in Tesla Model S (2012-2020). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Affected Component

Transmission

Estimated Time

2-4 hours

⚠️ Safety Warnings

Important safety information - read before proceeding

•Disconnect the 12V battery before working on electrical components.
•Use jack stands for safety when working under the vehicle.

Symptoms

•Whining noise increases with vehicle speed
•Noise persists regardless of acceleration or deceleration
•Possible intermittent vibrations felt through the floor
•Unusual sounds when turning or changing direction
•No warning lights illuminated on the dashboard

Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the vehicle visually for obvious signs of damage or wear in the drivetrain components.
2
Check the wheel bearings for play or noise by rotating the wheels and listening for grinding or roughness.
3
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored error codes related to the electric motor or drivetrain.
4
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and conditions to pinpoint noise occurrence.
5
Inspect the electric motor and gearbox for any signs of leaks or damage.
6
Evaluate the condition of the tires for uneven wear, which can contribute to noise.

Solution

💡 Expert Tip

For complex repairs like this, consider taking photos at each step. This helps if you need to reverse a step or consult with a mechanic. Also, keep all removed parts organized - you may need to reference them during reassembly.

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

•OBD-II scanner
•Multimeter
•Socket set
•Torque wrench
•Jack and jack stands

Parts Required

•Gear oil (specific to Tesla Model S)
•Wheel bearings (if applicable)

Related Faults

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Diagnostic Steps

1
Inspect the vehicle visually for obvious signs of damage or wear in the drivetrain components.
2
Check the wheel bearings for play or noise by rotating the wheels and listening for grinding or roughness.
3
Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any stored error codes related to the electric motor or drivetrain.
4
Test drive the vehicle at various speeds and conditions to pinpoint noise occurrence.
5
Inspect the electric motor and gearbox for any signs of leaks or damage.
6
Evaluate the condition of the tires for uneven wear, which can contribute to noise.

Solution

1. Preparation

Gather necessary tools and park the vehicle on a flat surface.
Ensure the vehicle is in "Park" mode.
Disconnect the 12V battery for safety.

2. Inspect Drivetrain Components

Sub-steps:
- Remove any covers or shields that obstruct access to the drivetrain.
- Inspect the drive unit for loose bolts or mounting points; tighten as necessary to manufacturer specifications.
- Check the gear oil level and condition; if low or contaminated, prepare for a fluid change.

3. Examine Electric Motor

Sub-steps:
- Remove the access panel to the electric motor.
- Visually inspect the motor for any signs of wear, damage, or unusual residue.
- Use a multimeter to check the motor's electrical connections and ensure proper voltage.

4. Check Wheel Bearings

Sub-steps:
- Jack up the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
- Spin each wheel to listen for grinding noises and check for excessive play.
- Replace any faulty wheel bearings as needed.

5. Replace Gear Oil (if necessary)

Sub-steps:
- Drain the old gear oil from the drive unit.
- Replace it with the manufacturer-recommended gear oil type.
- Reinstall the drain plug and torque to specified values.

6. Reassemble and Test

Sub-steps:
- Reinstall all removed covers and components securely.
- Reconnect the 12V battery and perform a systems check.
- Conduct a test drive to ensure the noise has been resolved.

Tools Required:

OBD-II scanner
Multimeter
Socket set
Torque wrench
Jack and jack stands

Parts Required:

Gear oil (specific to Tesla Model S)
Wheel bearings (if applicable)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

Disconnect the 12V battery before working on electrical components.
Use jack stands for safety when working under the vehicle.